i have a 97 3.0 flex fuel in a taurus, the ses light is on, but i do not have a code reader easily available. it chugs just off idle. milage is great and is fine off idle. i checked for vacume leaks but did not find any. any ideas?

 

Pull the codes is the first step.
When was the last tune up?

 

Pull the codes. Pep Boys is charging for that now, but will 'credit' the fee towards repair cost. A low-budget reader is in the $39.95 ballpark.
You could also check that the MAF is not coated with gunk. If you have a 'free flow' air cleaner, you may have over-oiled it and coated the MAF heated wire sensor with stuff. Clean GINGERLY. What is happening is that it does not sense the air flow quickly because it is insulated by dirt.... Your mileage may vary.
tom

 

i work for autozone we read them for free

 

thanx guys turned out to be the cam position sensor.