1998 Escort-Need OBDII Code interpretation

[DaveN]

I just picked up a 1998 escort from my brother in law for cheap, decent shape, 125k miles, 5 speed, ZX2 16V engine, needed a little work.



I'm driving it for a few days, check engine light comes on, not real worried about it, after a while, it's loosing power and running like garbage. I suspect the fuel pump since it sounds like a bucket of marbles down there, so I'm planning to replace that as well as the fuel filter.



Got a code scanner, and I popped a P171, P303 and P455 code. The first two are #3 cylinder miss and lean fuel mixture (or something to that effect) that I'm interpreting as a result of the fuel pump. The P455 is some sort of major evaporative leak. What's that?



Any thoughts as to what these codes really are - are my interpretations correct?



Thanks in advance for any help.



Dave

 

[Motorhead]

The evap leak can result from a loose fuel cap. If that is not the case check tha fuel evap lines. Check the #3 intake runner and see if any vacuum lines are hooked close to that runner.

 

[wtfd6]

I am with motorhead, the evap code is probably a loose cap. the 171 is probably a vacuum leak. there is a big vaccuum connection on the bottom of the intake that can develop a hole in it. I would check that.

Mark

 

[DaveN]

Sorry about the delay in getting back - thanks for the suggestions. After a fuel pump, a coil pack, wires and a set of plugs, still had the same problems. Then I decided to try to work on it in the daylight (I don't have a garage). That's when I found the vacuum line rotted off at the intake - right where wftd6 said it would be... . thanks for the help! It was hard to see from the top side. Been running like a champ ever since.

 

[wtfd6]

thats what we are here for. glad I could help!


Mark