Car keeps missing when driving , engine light came on auto zone ran a test on it i was told it could be about one of four different problems concering ignition or circuit prblems.

Your check engine light only relates to your emission system. So your problem lies somewhere there. I would disconnect the battery for 5 minutes and allow any sensor to hopefully reset. Fords love sensors..and in 89 its probably carburated, with no computer. Hopefully the check engine light returns..if so get the codes read immediately by a OBG 1 scanner..then youll know where the fault is.

it may be a vacum leak as far as the engine light a lot of auto parts houses will check the codes for free (like auto zone)

Sounds like the timing is off a bit!

Sounds like the timimg is off just a little, needs to be advanced some

SOUNDS LIKE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER.... BUT GO TO YOUR LOCAL AUTO ZONE OR YOUR PERSONAL MECHANIC AND HAVE HIM DO A OBD SCAN IT WOULD TELL YOU ALL THE DEALER FAULT CODES.... AUTO ZONE IS FREE LOCAL MECHANIC AT LEAST $250 FOR A 10 MINUTE PROCESS

your going to have to check online for that code and usually no matter what you can always drive a car with the check engine light on as long as the car feels fine.

Replace crank sensor,cheapest 1st,if this does not fix problem most probably fuel pump.Auto trans on this car requires a rack,has plug on bottom side.

I'm assuming that it is a four cyl.The p0401 code is for insufficient egr flow.Most of the time it is the egr vsv valve (vsv means vacuum switching valve)which is what controls the vacuum to the egr valve to open it.It is kind of hard to get to as it is on the block under the head on the back side.If you follow the hose from the egr valve it goes to the vsv.I have also seen mice eat holes in the vacuum line which would also give you problems.I hope this help and let me know if you have anymore questions

Quite often that is to do with your Gear Position Neutral Safety switch.

It sounds like a electrical problem to me. Like the ignition control module. It can be tested at your local auto parts stores.