[smirshkahoven]

I have a 97 Escort wagon 57,000 miles.

Car occasionally idles rough (like a surging) when stopped but in gear - this does not happen all the time, but frequently and always after warming up, never cold. Turning the AC ON fixes the issue.


Also, the temperature gauge either reads correctly or dies and is pretty erratic. In general, it seems to work fine when idling at a light or maintaining highway speed, but when the car shifts or I remove my foot from the gas or even let up, the needle drops to the bottom of the range.

The gas mileage is mediocre 20-22 MPG. Power on acceleration has improved with the steps I've taken below, but not great. Maybe OK for an Escort. Twelve seconds to 40-45 I'd guess.

Catalytic converter was replaced last year along with O2 sensors after overheating to red hot. Also have replaced plugs, plug wires, coil, fuel filter, IAC, coolant temperature sensor and sending switch, air filter, coolant flush and fill, cleaned MAF sensor and throttle plate. All within the last six months and all in an attempt to fix these two issues. At best I can say the rough idle is less of a surge (no fear of stall, which BTW, it has never done), the temperature gauge reads correctly more of the time, but still less than half the time. Neither issue will go away.

Help appreciated!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Thoughts:

. This link should help regarding the temperature gauge:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2043857

. Regarding gas mileage, I only recommend Motorcraft spark plugs in Fords. The only substitute, in my opinion, are Autolite plugs. Stay away from Bosch.

. Check idle rpm.