Hi, Got a 1998 2.0L last year, and it's been no end of trouble. There's been a persistent check engine code that says ECT trouble, and now the engine backfires, has no power, and sounds like it's full of rocks. The dealer replaced the ECT cam timing sensor, and now wants $1200 to replace the ECT solenoid and cam sprocket. The car has 80,000 on it, and is in otherwise decent shape. We've changed the oil every 3,000 miles, but can't speak for the first 60,000 miles. The car ran ok until last week, when the pulley bolts came out of the water pump the same dealer repaced under a "special service bulletin" last fall. We also had the heater blower switch and ballast resistors replaced because it almost caught fire. Ford has taken care of things until now, but has drawn a line in the sand on this new problem. Is this thing just a piece of crap???<br><br>Paul

My 98 had the same problem with the heater blower. My dealer told me the burning smell from that was the cause for the "hot" smell of my car and didn't diagnose it's overheating problem until it was a motor too late. Ford replaced it's motor at 62,000 miles and since then I've had a problem with the clutch. First they said there was no problem. Now they say it's my problem because a clutch wears out. The only thing I notice that wears out quicker than a Ford is patience with a Ford Service dept or dealershit. Debating on keeping my car since it SHOULD be fine with a new motor and all--or cutting my losses and getting a different car. My best advice is to switch dealers first.