I have a '96 Ford Contour that has been having a strange idling/grunting noise, sputters, and struggles to stay running when in park or at a stop sign or stop 'n go lights. I had it to my mechanic a week ago and he installed a new fuel pump and filter. The same day, my car was acting up again so I called my mechanic back. He was so booked up that I had to wait a week and drive it as is that way...then the "check engine" light came on. Yesterday, after three hours of checking this, that, and calling another mechanic in since he couldn't figure out the problem (and my mechanic is very reputable) he said that it had to do with a idling sensor....so that was replaced. She's running better, but if you shift into drive and have to stop at a stop sign or red light, you either have to shift into neutral or park to keep her running. I'll be calling my mechanic back on Monday. Meanwhile, my Dad suggested a new battery. I've had her for four years...any suggestions? Serious answers please
2007-10-19 15:42:28 · 5 answers · asked by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
You got two lousy "mekaniks" fuel pumps don't cause idle problems. Whatever an "idling sensor" is didn't do it. What is the check engine code ? that would solve the problem. Your reputable "mekanik" made some $$ off you and more to come. I would suggest you check the idle air control (iac) and the throttle position sensor (tps) and clean the throttle body valve. One or more of them may be sticking, don't necessarily need replaced By the way, batteries don't cause stalling problems. Starting problems, yes.
2007-10-19 16:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, what was the code for the check engine light? When you say idle sensor, what sensor are you referring to? As far as idle concerns go, most of the time the culprit is the IAC or, Idle Air Control motor.Over time, the air passage for the idle gets gunked up and makes the IAC work harder to move. If it is caught early enough, and the throttle body is serviced, it will be ok. If it is not cleaned in time, the motor will burn out or move too slow. What has to be done then is, you need to replaced the IAC and clean the throttle passage. There could also be a problem with the throttle position sensor, or TPS. If either of these have failed and/or if the passage way is dirty, they are easily detected and repaired.
There could be a host of other things causing an idle problem, depending on what the code is that set the check engine light would set you off in the right direction to finding and curing the problem.If you have any questions, ask and I will do my best to answer them.
2007-10-19 16:55:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An idling sensor?
I've been working on those things since new and never heard of that one.... probably he replaced the idle speed motor (this is a motor that allows fresh air in to the engine at idle)
Without the code, I can't really help you with it, as it can be numerous things causing the condition.. on the 4 clyinders, I've had issues with a hose collapsing under the intake that you have to get under the car and manuver to find leaking but will cause the issues you describe to a T
Another issue is the MAF sensor, but most would find the issues with that..usually it will report the car is at a higher altitude (say your local elevation is at 3,000 feet.. it will report that it's a 15,000 feet instead)...
But most mechanics don't like working on these things as it's more like a import than a Ford in some respects....
The battery theory won't work.. I haven't seen a battery kill a car unless it's so far down it isn't funny... then you would be having starting issues, which you don't.
2007-10-21 08:31:30 · answer #3 · answered by gearbox 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ford Contour 1996
2016-10-22 08:47:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have many times when even after the car is warmed up, you try to start it and it will chug out and die unless I give it some gas. Check engine light is on for O2 sensors, I have properly changed all 3 of them,and my gas mileage has returned. Dually after about 45 minutes of driving my tranny codes and goes into fail/safe hard shifting mode. Been to 2 tranny shops and they say its up front, throttle issue,which I understand.I have triple flushed the transmission as instructed. Any advice is so appreciated.
96 Ford Contour GL 2.5L DOHC
AUTO TRANNY 125,000 miles
2015-04-03 07:48:55 · answer #5 · answered by Charley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋