[Arizona ZX2]

Hi, new guy here, anybody know how to check the fuel pressure on a 2000 Escort ZX2? No schraeder valve to connect to. What to do? Oh, sorry, a little back round: we call my ZX2 "the booger" because the Arizona sun has not been kind to her green paint, yet she runs & runs. 311,000 + miles on the original engine / manual trans. I have 150# compression across all 4 cylinders, but I've been chasing some vacuum & high end power issues recently. I clamped off the EVAP circuit & that helped a little. I need to find & fix that leak to kill the "check engine" light, but I wanted to check the fuel system & was surprised to not find anyplace to connect a gauge. Does anyone know how to check this, (or where to find a factory service manual)? -Not the Haynes garbage- Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
AZ ZX2

 

[pextor]

What code are you getting? Usually the problem with these cars is the PCV hose, they tend to fail after a number of years.

 

[Apex]

These cars may have a PID for fuel rail pressure if you use a decent scan tool to check live data.

You can for sure check fuel trims (both long and short term) on and off idle to give you a clue what your issue is.

 

[madmatt2024]

To get an actual guage reading you are going to need a fuel pressure test kit that has an adapter that you install between the fuel rail and the line that supplies it. You could also do what Apex is saying and get your reading using a scan tool but if the sensor is failing it may give a bad reading

 

[Arizona ZX2]

Hi everyone & thanks for the feed-back. First, I had no engine codes until I plugged off the EVAP lines, so now I have an EVAP code. Second, the reason I started chasing vacuum leaks is because I was losing climate control functions in wide open throttle conditions. Eliminating the EVAP circuit improved but did not completely cure the problem, maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree? The brake booster circuit is tight & the pcv rubber components were new 60,000 miles ago. I will take another look at the pvc anyway. Are there any other vacuum circuits I'm missing? Third, excuse my ignorance, but I have no idea what a PID is, but I'm always up for acquiring new diagnostic equipment! Seriously, I'd like to check out the fuel system as well; any recommendations?
Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
AZ ZX2

 

[Apex]

Absolutely! Hands down the best scanner for Fords (and cheapest option as long as you have a laptop) is free software for a PC called FORScan. You will just need an ELM327 adapter. It will pretty much do everything a dealer level scantool will do on Fords, the only major feature the free version is missing is programming new keys for obvious reasons. I got this adapter for it off of Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Forscan-Scanner-ELMconfig-FoCCCus-Diagnostic/dp/B07MQ8GHG3

My only gripe with this adapter is that the HS and MS switch label is a sticker that fell just sitting in my backpack, so I would mark yours with a paint marker or something. There are bluetooth versions as well, but I have not tried them. The one that FORScan recommends themselves is this one https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-EX-FORScan-OBD-Adapter/dp/B081VQVD3F Though I have no idea if it's really any better than the $22 one. According to the description it does not require to to manually swap between the HS and MS CANs, it does it electronically, and presumably automatically. This just means it can access all of the different modules without you needing to manually hit the toggle switch.

If you want something similar in that it uses a laptop, but will work well with most makes and models I would look into AutoEnginuity, you will need an adapter for this as well of which there are wired and bluetooth versions (possibly wireless as well?). There are paid packages for enhanced functionality with specific makes that vary in price. I'm assuming this is for more dealer-level type stuff, but I don't know if bi-directional control is locked behind these packages.

If you're just looking for something a little simpler the BlueDriver Bluetooth scanner is nice as you can just use it with your phone. It does not have any bi-directional control like FORScan or AutoEnginuity, but it will read codes (even ABS stuff on most makes and models) and live data.

For using this live data effectively check out some of the really great youtube channels that go over automotive diagnostics such as Schrodingers Box, ScannerDanner, Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, and South Main Auto. I highly recommend Schrodingers Box.

 

[madmatt2024]

Absolutely! Hands down the best scanner for Fords (and cheapest option as long as you have a laptop) is free software for a PC called FORScan. You will just need an ELM327 adapter. It will pretty much do everything a dealer level scantool will do on Fords, the only major feature the free version is missing is programming new keys for obvious reasons. I got this adapter for it off of Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Forscan-Scanner-ELMconfig-FoCCCus-Diagnostic/dp/B07MQ8GHG3

My only gripe with this adapter is that the HS and MS switch label is a sticker that fell just sitting in my backpack, so I would mark yours with a paint marker or something. There are bluetooth versions as well, but I have not tried them. The one that FORScan recommends themselves is this one https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-EX-FORScan-OBD-Adapter/dp/B081VQVD3F Though I have no idea if it's really any better than the $22 one. According to the description it does not require to to manually swap between the HS and MS CANs, it does it electronically, and presumably automatically. This just means it can access all of the different modules without you needing to manually hit the toggle switch.

If you want something similar in that it uses a laptop, but will work well with most makes and models I would look into AutoEnginuity, you will need an adapter for this as well of which there are wired and bluetooth versions (possibly wireless as well?). There are paid packages for enhanced functionality with specific makes that vary in price. I'm assuming this is for more dealer-level type stuff, but I don't know if bi-directional control is locked behind these packages.

If you're just looking for something a little simpler the BlueDriver Bluetooth scanner is nice as you can just use it with your phone. It does not have any bi-directional control like FORScan or AutoEnginuity, but it will read codes (even ABS stuff on most makes and models) and live data.

For using this live data effectively check out some of the really great youtube channels that go over automotive diagnostics such as Schrodingers Box, ScannerDanner, Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, and South Main Auto. I highly recommend Schrodingers Box.

This. FORScan can do a lot of stuff and it's free unless you want key programing (which Escorts don't need). I would personally recommend this adapter instead though. Not only can you use it with a laptop over bluetooth for apps like FORScan but it will also work with Android devices for apps like Torque. https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Wireless-Bluetooth-Diagnostic/dp/B005NLQAHS

 

[Arizona ZX2]

Thanks guys! I am definitely going to get an adapter & download that app. I've put 400 miles a week on this car for the last 10 years, everything still works (except that dumb factory CD changer mounted in the trunk). I told the wife I'll drive it till the wheels fall off, & since I replaced the wheel bearings, that aint going to happen any time soon.
Thanks again, I'll keep you posted on what I find or I'll be back to pester you guys again.
AZ ZX2

 

[some]

AZ here too