I wouldn't undo the O2 sensor on a DME car. However, you can replace it for 50 bucks, plus the cost of the wrench, by using a Bosch unit intended for Fords-do a search for a thread Wil started on o2 sensor info.

Bosch p/n 13853. 50 bucks at Pepboys. The thread is here:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=78442&highlight=oxygen+ sensor

THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT GREG.

MUCH APPRECIATED
:D

i have checked the o2 sensor and it seems fine. getting the right voltage from it. the car now seems to be the same when un plugged or not.

i am going back to my questions on the idle stabilizer as per my quote.....any ideas.
b.t.w when a/c comes on the idle is even rougher which leads me to believe that the idle stabilizer is not doing its job.
thanks:)

any comments please?:)

If you haven't already, check the vent hose that attaches to the back of the oil filler neck. It is a few inches from the top of the neck. You have to pull on it to see if it's attached. If it's unattached it can have a similar effect to the filler cap being off.

Look, if all else fails, I'd get a reputable shop to check your baseline mixture and go from there. Don't take this the wrong way, but you've messed with it in a blind fashion. It might well be something else (ISV, maybe) but I'm suspicious of messing with the mixture screw blindly. The reason I say that is that even the "limp" mode on the DME is pretty good, and it will be completely thrown off if the mixture is something other than the baseline it assumes.

To check the idle speed controller, remove it and connect a pipe in it's place and squeeze the rubber hose enough to get a steady idle. See if it's better.
Be careful for the engine will rev very high if you start it with no squeeze in the hose. I don't know how high and don't want to find out.
I also have a 3.2 with a doggy idle.
Ned

thank you guys. will try the suggestions.

thanks for the replies:D