rockerover28

I just drove my Ford Escape 2002 from Vancouver Canada to Mexico (over 5000 km) and as soon as we arrived the oil light went on and then the engine light.

I put the oil in, but the engine light returned a few days later and has stayed on for the last week and now the engine seems to flutter or miss fire.

It is very noticeable when I first start the vehicle, and then seems to get a better as it warms up.

I am about to take it to mechanic, preferrably a Ford Dealership but I would like an idea of what this could be before walking in blindly, as sometimes mechanics here can take advantage.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

hurk

You'll need to pull the codes to have any idea of what to do.

Are you still in Mexico?

Here in the USA many auto parts stores will pull the codes for free & usually provide a printout. They may not be able to interpret the code, though, so post the code here or look it up on the internet.

rockerover28

Thank you for the response. That gives me a start, I am in Mexico for the next year so it will have to happen here.

Forgive my ignorance but how do you pull codes? Is this something I can do or do I have to go to a mechanic...I have my doubts that the parts shop here will do it but I can try.

Thanks again

hurk

There ought to be a code reader port under the dash & easily accessible.
You could try an auto parts store there to see if they sell a reader.
To see what they look like, go to ebbaay or someplace & do a search for OBDII code reader.

Also, it helps to mention what Escape it is: 4-cyl or V6.

rockerover28

Thanks again,

I found a mechanic with a reader and it is error code P0304 and cylinder #4 not firing.

I am searching the internet now to see what that is, the mechanic seems to think spark plug.

If anyone knows different please let me know. It is a v6 if that helps.

Thanks

wptski

That's a misfire #4 cylinder. If you can easily move the COP(coil on plug), see if the misfire moves. That will tell you if it's the spark plug or the COP.

__________________
Bill

'09 Ford Escape Limited, V6, 4WD

tbird100636

Or if when you remove the #4 coil you find moisture and/or rust you'll need a new coil and spark plug.

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

krystovar77

If your buying your gas in mexico only buy their version of premium gas, and even at that my Windstar runs pretty rough. The Mexicans I know like the Lucas gas treatment. and bring that back with them. or perhaps an octane boost. My Windstar is in good shape so I never use additives when I'm down there. When you get back to the states you'll notice your engine slowly readjust back to running good gas but it might act up a little at first.