the car runs fine when under giving the car gas. If you let up on the gas or try to let it idle it stalls. The plugs and air filter have both been replaced. I am relativly new on this and before I start changing things out I would like to have a direction to go in. Please Help.

I had a similar problem with my Tracer. I found the problem was a vacuum leak in the PVC valve hose across the valve cover. There is a hard piece of plastic and then a soft rubber elbow. My leak was in the elbow. I taped it with duct tape for the short term but ended up buying a replacement from the dealer. There are some aftermarket replacements but I couldn't find a match anywhere.

The pvc valve is probably clogged and needs replacing as well.

I had a problem simular on my 88 toyota corolla, I just turned the Idel up. It should show how in you owners manual if not get a hanes. Hope this helps

My 95 Escort LX 1.9L recently had the same problem, car started stalling after stopping at a light/stop sign for 20 seconds or so. Engine code came up as 172 (HEGO sensor indicates lean idle), so I replaced HEGO sensor. Still had same problem.

I saw this thread, and went out the next morning and sure enough the L shaped hose where the PCV feeds into the intake was collapsed, and had a pinhole in it.

Replaced the hose and it runs fine again.

Thanks for the diagnosis!

My 95 Escort LX 1.9L recently had the same problem, car started stalling after stopping at a light/stop sign for 20 seconds or so. Engine code came up as 172 (HEGO sensor indicates lean idle), so I replaced HEGO sensor. Still had same problem.

I saw this thread, and went out the next morning and sure enough the L shaped hose where the PCV feeds into the intake was collapsed, and had a pinhole in it.

Replaced the hose and it runs fine again.

Thanks for the diagnosis!
Since a vac leak let's in unmetered, it will cause a lean condition. So it makes sence.

If you cant find a vac leak (dont forget to check EGR valve) it could also be the IAC vavle.

I had a rough idle on mine and it was the PVC.

Had the same problem on my '93 Tracer, replaced everything I could think of, but ended up taking to service station. End result was replace intake manifold gasket, so it sure sounds like vacuum leak, but could be many different places to leak from.

I replaced the PCV rubber elbow recently...Autozone had a double elbow out on the floor in the emissions section...~$5....cut it in half and it worked fine. Then you have a spare for the next car that needs one (Well, unless you forget where you put it like I did).

dougand3,
that is exactly the piece of hose that I used. Cut in half it was a perfect fit. And it was identified as PCV hose so it should stand up to the vapors. I told the guy at the parts store they should label the box as being 2 Ford Escort PCV hose.

Do you guys have a manufacturer and part number for that double elbow? I just came from Autozone and couldn't find one. When I replaced mine I just used one of my spark plug boots, but this sounds much better.

f150gt,
I checked my records. I actually got my PCV hose at Advance Auto Parts. It is one of those "HELP!" hoses in the red boxes, part # 46002. It's not identified as being for an Escort, but if you cut it in half its a perfect fit on my 95 Escort LX 1.9L.

Great, thanks! I was probably looking in the wrong section as I was looking by the PCV valves and not the red card help section.