I just purchased a 1994 escort sedan with 90,000 miles on it. the car runs perfect except for the fact that it won't idle.(sometimes it'll idle for about 30 seconds before it dies) ive replaced the spark plugs, wires and fuel filter but none of this did anything. i went out and just unplugged the air flow meter and it idled even worse. do you think replacement of the air flow meter will fix my problem? the engine is the 1.9.

 

Check pcv tube for leak where 90 degree elbow is at top. Also they are more common for idle air control valve going bad. Either repair is relatively cheap IMO.

 

I had the same problem........car would idle bad when it was cold but once on the interstate it ran great.
So having read numerous threads i changed the idle air control valve.Now it runs great when it is cold put stalls at every light when it is up to temps.............any ideas?

 

Forgot to mention.............93... 1.9 estate wagon

 

The IAC lets more air into the engine when cold or under a load. Not running well when the engine iscold points at the IAC. This you fixed. I think now you have a vacuum leak either on the intake manifold or at the hose at the bottom of the throttle body.When the engine is cold it's gonna have a rich mixture which would overcome a vacuum leak. When hot the vacuum leak is allowing your engine to get too lean at idle and it's dying. Look for a vacuum leak.

 

Thanks.
I will check it out and let you know how i got on.