Idle Problem with 98 Contour?

Question

I'm having a problem wit hmy 98 Contour that goes someting like this: When I turn on my car, the RPMs shoot up to about 2000 and stay there for 2 seconds or so and then they go down to 0 and the engine dies. This started happening a few weeks ago when the first cold weather of the season came. I took it to the shop and they had a very hard time figure out what it was but finally explained that it was a problem wit the mass air flow system. however, after i got it bakc and it ran fine with no startup problems for a week, i get the same problems agian. The idle will fluctuate and die. The only way to keep it on is to press down on the gas a little and then quickly get it out of park into another gear so that it doesnt die. Anyone know what's my problem here? Thanks

Answer 1

sounds like a vacuum leak.

get some starting fluid and with the engine running spray in small bursts around your vacuum lines. when a burst of starting fluid causes your rpms to rise then you have found your leak. fix it and look for more leaks. vacuum leaks are notorious for coming in groups. if its not a vacuum leak then it may be the computer.

but it really sounds like a bad vacuum leak.

Answer 2

Definately sounds like the idle air control valve has hit the dirt. I work at a Ford dealership and have probably replaced a hundred of those on all ford cars. If you have the 2.5L it's located on the Driver's side back of the engine behind the EGR valve. 100% sure it will fix your problem.

Answer 3

Check under the car, at the bottom of the intake manifold, there's a vac. hose that either breaks and leaks, or collapses and makes the engine die out at idle

Answer 4

Take it back to the shop and tell them.
You paid for a repair that didn't hold up.