I’ve got approx. 79,350 miles on this car. I’m the original owner. The “Service Engine Soon” light came on.I took the the car to an Advanced Auto Parts store ,they hooked up their handheld computer to the car and told me “it might be an oxygen senser or poor fuel octane” ,he suggested adding an octane booster and see if the light stays off. I did that,but two days later it came back on,the idle seems a little ruff when stopped at a light. What do you think?
Next time you have the code read at Advance, have them give you the actual code, not just their recommendations. They should have given you a printout on cash register paper that has the code at the top and the possible causes and recommendations below that.
The code will be in a format P0xxx, for example P0300.
i have an 02 zx2 and it vibrates really bad at idle, but only when i am in drive. this is really common apparently and i knew it when i bought it, but it was only 1,500 bucks. I have noticed that that if i keep one foot on the gas and one on the break and raise the rpm to about 1k it smooths out. is there a way for me to raise the idle speed and if so is there any reason why i shouldn’t?
@clrk21 - you really should start your own thread about this as it is a different problem. (Big red “Ask a Question” button).
What is the idle speed without your foot on the gas? Its probably 750-850 rpm. If so then you should leave it alone b/c that’s what its supposed to be & is controlled by the computer.
You do want to make sure that all basic maintenance is in order - plugs, wires, filters, etc. to make sure that the engine isn’t idling rough.
But its true that these cars are known for not being so smooth at idle, even when everything is perfect. The first thing you should do is look around the web for people who have tried to so something about it. I’m sure there are aftermarket companies providing mounts meant to help it. Check out these forums for escort enthusiasts: http://www.feoa.net/modules.php?name=Forums
Then, once you know something about the issue, have a good, local shop check out all of your engine/transmission mounts.
thanks… so i was looking for the new post button. I’ll make a new thread. Yeah I have been meaning to take it in. I just got it last week.
I changed the plugs and wires and filters,the service engine light still came “on”, finally with the help of Advanced Auto,I discovered the PCV valve hose was cracked,I changed hose and made sure the PCV valve was operating correctly. Car is running fine!!