Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Ford Escort ZX2

1…252627282931»

Comments

  • remowusremowus Member Posts: 40
    Lately when I try to accelerate fast, my ZX2 seems to choke. It doesnt die , just starts running real rough and has no power. Then it will catch and everything is ok for a while. Its got a new fuel pump .
    Any idea what is causing this?
  • mrsblanesmrsblanes Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2010
    Sounds to me like you need to replace your O2 sensors. When you accelerate fast the car needs more air. If the O2 sensors have too much soot in them your car will choke like that when you accelerate fast. Once you stop accelerating and go at a steady pace it catches up with the air it needs. Replace the upper and lower at the same time or you will find yourself replacing the old one soon after.
  • remowusremowus Member Posts: 40
    Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try
    Whats the easiest way to do this?
  • mrsblanesmrsblanes Member Posts: 9
    There isn't an easy way to do it really. If you do it yourself tell the Auto Parts guy you need upstream and downstream O2 sensors. One is under the hood. That one is.. looking at your engine there is a metal heat plate. The O2 sensor is underneath the lip of it at the end on the left. The other one you will need to put your car on ramps or on a jack. NOT THE ONE THAT COMES WITH THE CAR. Do NOT trust your life with one of those things. I used a 4 ton hydrolic jack. You have to actually crawl underneath the car to see it. It is on a metal pipe. It's been awhile since I have done it so when you get under there get your head right about the middle of the car and look up. You will see it on top of but screwed into the exhaust pipe or whatever it is. When you take them out, unscrew one end at a time so you don't forget or not know where the other end goes. It isn't hard but make sure your car has not been ran before you do it. You will burn the crap out of yourself.
  • gwcrumpgwcrump Member Posts: 1
    Anyone know where I can find instructions or a guide to replacing the exhaust system of my 1998 Escort ZX2 (whole thing - from muffler through catalytic converter)?
  • pixieowlspixieowls Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2010
    I have a 2002 ZX2

    When I turn on the heater after a few minutes I get a loud roaring sound. The heater does kick out great heat. The belt has been replaced yet the sound remains.

    The noise also appears when the AC is turned on. The compressor cycles correctly. Can any one tell me what to check next.

    This started after the AC unit inline filter was replaced. A shade tree mechanic serviced the ac. Before this repair the was minimal ac afterward there was the roar.

    Could this simply be the lack of vacuum in the system?

    It is no fun when the temp is 98 degrees and there is no ac Help
  • zx2_gal_2001zx2_gal_2001 Member Posts: 1
    I have been there. Stuck in park... nothing would make it budge an inch.

    Here's what you do: (I am referencing my 2001.) On the gear shift unit, to the right on the gear shift at the bottom, you will see a little oval-ish plug that is flush with the gear shift panel. Pop that off and using a screw driver or some other long narrow item.. hit the manual over ride button that is roughy straight down. I would suggest that the car is idling, and foot on the brake. When the button is pressed you can then shift into drive/reverse ect. However, your brake lights may or may not work. Use the manual over ride with caution!

    In my case this issue arrived due to a broken brake relay switch which enable the safety feature to prevent the car from being shifted into drive.

    I hope this helps someone, bc without knowing this handy hint I would have had to pay for a tow truck to get my ZX2 to the auto shop.
  • gertysuegertysue Member Posts: 1
    I have a 98 zx2 auto trans the timing belt broke nothing got hurt belt or chain what ever you wan to tcall it is back on the car. The car started and ran for about 5 minutes then stopped. A machine was put on it to see any codes and there were none. The car runs when it is on the machine or as you may know it computer but when you take it off it stops. What is wrong what is going ?? Can anyone please please help me???? I love my little red escort and really want it back :(:cry:
  • z32chicz32chic Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2010
    anybody know if there is a free online manual for my car?
  • vavalleygirl8vavalleygirl8 Member Posts: 1
    Did you ever resolve the sputtering issue? We're probably going to blow the lines out tomorrow, and put new plugs in. What do you think?
  • raiderduderaiderdude Member Posts: 1
    have a 1999 ford escort, starts right up, idles pretty good until i put it in gear, accelerates ok but kicks and spitts at all speeds, cleaned out fuel lines, cleaned out the pump screen, new filter and plugs. the fuel from the lines, filter and screen very dark, fuel in tank looks clean. any ideas, any one?
  • mrsblanesmrsblanes Member Posts: 9
    Is your car automatic or manual?
  • mrsblanesmrsblanes Member Posts: 9
    I know it has been awhile since you have done this. Can you PLEASE tell me how to remove the camshafts? I also have a blown head gasket. I am trying to do it myself, but I am stuck at removing the cams.
  • mrsblanesmrsblanes Member Posts: 9
    I figured this out. If anyone needs help send me an email.
  • koolie70koolie70 Member Posts: 1
    We are having the same issue, and a misfire on #1 and 4 also, we were told it is the cars computer causing this, being that we also replaced the spark-plugs, ignition wires and ignition coil. If you have learned anything else, that would also help us before we invest in this computer, it would be greatly appreciated.
  • cauzmoe_12cauzmoe_12 Member Posts: 1
    I really need someone who has had experience in 2003 2.0l VCT engine. My ZX2 engine has been making a sqeeking noise for a while now and has recently gotten worse. at first i thought it was a belt pulley or tensioner but its not, ive replaced alternator, serpentine belt, pulleys, tensioner, water pump, and powersteering pump within the last year, i also recently did the timing belt, tensioner and pulleys. after a few miles i took the timing cover off because the noise was getting worse and i could smell burning rubber, the timing belt had little scuff marks. almost like skid marks about an inch apart all the way around it. with the engine running the exhaust cam sprocket/VCT Unit looks like it is unbalanced or warped, it wabbles. and im almost positive thats where the noise is coming from. i think all i need to replace is the VCT Unit and Cam sprocket bolt. but it may also be the VCT Solenoid and Phaser. the only problems ive heard with those are the pasages getting clogged and it usually throws DTCs. My car has no DTCs. PLEASE HELP!!!
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    cauzmoe_12, it looks like it's taking awhile to get an answer. Try entering your question in the Edmunds Answers box in the lower right-hand corner of this screen too -- you may get an answer more quickly. Hope this helps!

    ClaireS, Host
    Automotive News & Views | Coupes & Convertibles

    MODERATOR

    Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.

    Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review

  • falconsfan71falconsfan71 Member Posts: 1
    at first when i got the car i had to take clutch all the way to floor to go in gear...then i smelled a burning smell then only could get in 3rd and 5th...then i tried to force in gear..it will go in all posistions now but car will not move at all...could this be clutch or tranny? any input wud be apreciated
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    yes, sounds like a burned up clutch to me.
  • jc814jc814 Member Posts: 2
    A 1999 Ford Escort Zx2 that is inspected and does not run because it needs a fuel pump replacement. Im buying for $800.... Worth it? Any sugguestions? Its gonna be my first.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I wouldn't buy it if you can't drive it. You should have the owner fix the fuel pump. It's only maybe $100 bucks + less than one hour labor.

    If you are buying a car that doesn't run, don't pay more for it than a wrecking yard would give you. There could be all sorts of things wrong with the car and then you're stuck with it.

    Besides all that, the car is barely worth $800 even running.
  • jc814jc814 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks. The seller says everything is fine, that it just needs that. Im taking two good mechanics with me ( one is my brother ). I'll keep you posted.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited April 2012
    I'd still like to see you get it running. Risky. Good luck with it!
  • houston_manhouston_man Member Posts: 34
    I have a 2001 ZX2 which has developed a loud road noise from the rear. Recently replaced the old tires with Yokahama Avid's TRZs (15 inch). I have gently swerved the car around 40mph to see if it might be the rear bearings. I can't tell any difference in the noise level.

    I have installed some "B-quiet" in the trunk, a heavy rubber mat but still have the road noise. Anyone have any other suggestions on how to quiet the cabin better?? Tires, better insulation, etc....

    Thanks!!!
  • houston_manhouston_man Member Posts: 34
    Problem discovered!! Turns out it was a bad left rear wheel bearing, not the tires.
  • 99fordzx299fordzx2 Member Posts: 5
    My 1999 Ford Escort ZX2 has a high idle and I can't get it to back off. It starts at about 2200 rpm and just keeps going up. After driving, when put back in park or neutral, idle continues to climb until I turn it off. Any ideas?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    could be a defective Idle Air Control Valve, which in turn is controlled by your car's ECM. The ECM determines the amount of air that is allowed to pass through the throttle plate, and the IAC actually does what the ECM tells it to.

    DO NOT...do not....attempt to clean the throttle bore or throttle plate with a cleaner.

    Only other thing I can think of is that you have large vacuum leak somewhere---loose hose to power brake, a bad intake manifold gasket, that sort of thing. Using some carb cleaner as a tester, you can squirt it into various cracks and joints and if engine idle speed changes, you have a vacuum leak.
  • 99fordzx299fordzx2 Member Posts: 5
    Weird. As sudden as it started, it just stopped. Now it idles down fine. Let's hope that it doen't start up again.
  • noopnoop Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I have a '03 ford ZX2 which has leak in intake hose. Plus it has a leak in the coolant hose. My local mechanic has given a price of 332 + tax for labor + parts. Please let me know if this is a fair price.

    Thanks!
    Noop
  • amethystravenamethystraven Member Posts: 1
    I'm in the process of buying a 2001 escort zx2... They say the only problem is it will need a new front driver side hub bearing. They said it will cost $20 or so. I've been looking up but can only find a wheel bearing and hub assembly, not a hub bearing. I know nothing about cars so sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. They said it pulses when driving or turning.

    So what part do I need, hub assembly or wheel bearing? And how much do you think it'll cost in labor to fix it?
  • houston_manhouston_man Member Posts: 34
    Here is a YouTube video on how to the front hub. I have only done the rear on my son's 2001 Ford Escort, but never the front. You might check with one of the Auto Parts store, as they can look up the correct part for you. This video should help.....labor is usually around $75/hour and probably a 2 hour job.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuzycg01jpc
  • folsommassagefolsommassage Member Posts: 1
    cleaned the terminal cables. When battery tester is on the battery with the cars power cables attached, the battery reads 'no power'. When I take the car's power cable Off the battery, the battery reads full charge.

    There must be a short in the system somewhere. Will replacing the cars positive battery cable solve the problem?

    Has anyone experienced this?
  • goashleygoashley Member Posts: 1
    Hi! My '98 Ford Escort ZX2 has it's belt, tensioners, waterpump and all related tubing replaced new 1 year ago. The cover was not available to replace as it had broken with the tensioner (hence, the replacements). Ever since I first drove away with all those replacements, I heard a shrill squeal when turning the vehicle on or turning the wheel sharply, particularly when it is cold out. The squeal is not consistent. It usually is the worst when parking (in San Francisco, so often parallel). The vehicle runs fine but has not had AC in the 4 years I've owned it. There is a very tiny coolant leak that hasn't been located. Once every 6 months or so I refill the coolant tank. Please advise.
  • jaekhjaekh Member Posts: 2
    Front end collision, repair is a DIY since no insurance. Def. need the front bumper, radiator, both headlight assemblies, maybe a hood. Going to the pull-a-part lot tomorrow morning after I look at the car again and make arrangements to get it from the repair shop to my house. Taking my toolbox and coveralls with me to the salvage yard as I plan to go out and get them myself since they are significantly cheaper that way.

    Wondering if any other years will fit and if so which ones and what parts? Was told there are several Escorts there but I have to go find them on my own. Also, what is the best place to determine what year it is? VIN or ???

    Thanks for any assistance, have to get it back on the road ASAP.

    Kathy
  • jaekhjaekh Member Posts: 2
    Salvage lot employees helpful, found a 1998 ZX2 that had everything needed. Spent most of the day pulling parts then towed my daughters to my house for repairs that I can do Wed. and Fri. this week.
  • dirtdancerdirtdancer Member Posts: 1
    my son's car has the same problem, I have identified it as the negative battery terminal assembly. ( 02 model year) Very slight corrosion, which I cleaned. Part is unavailable from Ford and was 429.00! Crazy!. Part failed again in two months. So I am going to cut it off and replace with a standard battery terminal. It is a complex connector for a ground in a car and had several wires running into it; I am going to put heavy duty electrical connectors in place of this and hope it runs.
  • thewreckedthewrecked Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a zx2. Wondering if anyone knows why it could be having head unit memory loss where is won't maintain the time and such and if powerlocks and overhead lights shouldn't be working with the key off. It's a 98.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    Sounds like a module problem doesn't it? Have you done any scans?

  • MamaLeftMeHerZX2MamaLeftMeHerZX2 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2022
    I hope I am leaving a post that is in the right spot for ZX2 owners and welcomed. As my profile name suggests...My mother who passed away from cancer last year left behind a Ford 01 ZX2. Was just under 100k miles and no one wanted it. I went ahead and raised my hand with a "I'll take it". Here was a car that no one wanted to deal with. Some minor fender bender on the rear bumper for which I am looking to replace. The AC wasn't blowing out of the vents, only through the defroster vents at the front windshield, just had to replace a small section of hose causing a vacuum leak.
    Other than that the car just purrs. Mom clearly had low miles on it, and the best part about the car is the fun in driving and shifting, through it's standard 5 speed/gears! My hope is to upgrade some things, and when my 12 year old son is ready to start learning how to drive, he will be one of very few GEN Zs or whatever they are going to be called; with the skill in driving a stick! I do need a little help in one minor area as the internet is not giving up much info. All of my lights/flashers and indicators work. The left blinker started blinking fast. Now both/both side blinkers front and back are all blinking fast. All rear/head lights and corner indicators light up, so I do not have any non working bulbs. I am thinking I need to replace the indicator relay. My problem is I don't know where exactly it is located. I know there is a head lamp relay under the hood, and I think the relay I am looking for is under the steering wheel inside somewhere, but where exactly? If anyone can point me in the right direction or confirm I am trouble shooting down the right path, I would greatly appreciate it. Would also love to see any pics of your ZX2s and pics of where the relay is. Thank you in advance for your time and ZX2 enthusiasm.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles