Ford Escort service engine light on with IMRC issues and intermittent hesitation on Ford Escort

Some Ford Escort owners report experiencing issues with the service engine light being on due to IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control) problems, leading to intermittent hesitation during acceleration. These owners have noted that the IMRC may be stuck open, which can significantly affect engine performance. Additionally, some have found that replacing a suspect vacuum hose or fixing a connector pin may provide only temporary relief, indicating a deeper underlying issue. If the timing belt was recently replaced, it could also trigger the service engine light shortly after the replacement. Furthermore, intermittent hesitation may point to an engine misfire, especially if the check engine light begins to flash, which requires immediate attention to avoid severe engine damage. Other common triggers for the check engine light include issues with the evaporative emissions system and worn spark plugs. To address these concerns, owners are advised to conduct a thorough diagnostic check, resolve any identified issues, and seek professional help if the problem persists.