98 ford zx2 2.0 dohc stalls out woulnt idle long & doesnt pick up power when you push gas if you push gas fast will backfire.will gain rpms if gas is pushed slow

you meant CARAVAN? or grand caravan with
no engine told. size , 4 engines, 2.4 to 3.8L v6
so does not START and run
or does start and runs and stalls. (or runs for 3 seconds and stalls)
or stalls driving random. hot or cold engine,?
the starter motor always works perfect, spins GRRRRRRR and engine spins crank shaft fast or now, or starter is some times silent or just clicks.???????????
back fires to where? the rear car tail pipe end?
or to intake manifold (air cleaner side)>>>>>??????????
back firing to air cleaner , hits of gross timing of cam , burned intake valves.

tail pipe backfire can be what is called muffler explosions super load POP sounds, and is engine gross raw fuel lander there, mostly from leaking injector(s)
check engine lamp never glows, running or just before stall.
scan the PCM yet see stored DTC errors. (like CKP fails)

no engine told so hard to be more exact. above is generic.
ASE generic , gas engines,
if stalls driving can a fast right foot save the stall and if yes, do you still have full engine power.?

the 3.0L has a 2 cam timing belt(plus pump)
that fails easy, it slips and timing is lost !
and backfires every which way .
it is a 60k mile service point.
this 3.0L same belt runs water pump and you never want it to slip.bad belt too.
V6, 1 cam per head free running engine. (no bent valves) like the DOHC will do. 12v 6x2 heads no 24valve .

but no VIN or engine told.

Unless you do your own work take to a reputable technician and have them re scan and change required sensor
the forum below may shed some light on your problem
rough idle stalling loss of power

If it's fuel-injected, you may need to have the injectors cleaned, and also, any air filters should be changed at the same time along with gas filter/s. If it's carbureted, the same as above, but have someone clean the carburetor completely. Make sure all air hoses are attached correctly, securely and NOT broken. If broken, replace them.

you have a fuel delivery problem.

Need a repair shop to diagnose it

You never should have thrown one part at it.

That is a Wish & Hope-- Push & Poke Diagnostic Theory,
that only takes your money & you replace every part,none
of them being tested or bad

all code readers will retrieve information stored while in the on position --doesnt need to be running ---when you rehook up scanner either resubmit or edit request with codes

What is the status of the timing belt (or chain) on the vehicle? Was it ever replaced by a competent mechanic?

98 ford explorer erratic idle from cold reves jump. ok when warm but still stalls at times.

it almost sounds like the timing is off causing it to load up on fuel.