Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Mechanic's Suggestion for Stalling/Rough Idle

Hey guys,

I have pretty much the same problem everyone else is having, rough idle, no pedal response off line, to the point where it just dies and dosen't react to gas pedal, stalls in morning if I dont rev it for first few minutes, check engine light is on..

So I brought it in to this shop that I know, cause I replaced the fuel filter and the spark plugs and wires and problem just came back. He hooked it up to the computer and thinks these problems are caused by the Throttle Position Sensor. I know the guy and he said I could do the work myself and save myself some money.

He said the TPS is measuring 1.7 volts and its supposed to be 3.4 volts (or something like that). My question is, does this make sense to you guys? It is not an expensive part, but I am tired of replacing things under the hood with no result. Bear in mind I havent cleaned the MAF before.. Could the voltage difference just be caused by the MAF or something? He said this was a common problem with Contours (Duh) and he thinks it is the TPS. Thanks for all the help.

-Dylan

TPS problems are common to many cars but I don't know about Contours. Clean the MAF first. It is at least free and will only help. Be gentle though. A faulty TPS can cause all sorts of havock. If you can afford it then I would repalce it.
Jon

I am going to replace the TPS.. I don't have much money (yay for college) but its only 22 bucks at Autozone. Guess I will yank the MAF and clean that too.. Is alcohol and a Q-Tip the safest way to do it? Thanks again.

-Dylan

Q-tip and alcohol is good as it won't leave any residue. You will know the maf wires are dirty once you dribble a little alcohol on them and gently wipe off all the crud w/ a q-tip. More than likely it'll be black when you get done.

As for the TPS, I'm curious to hear what you find out after you replace it as I know of another tour that has a problem w/ rough/stumbly idle.

Have u replace the IAC or EGR. My car was stalling and I replace the IAC and now it takes off from the stop. Then my idel was still screwy so I cleaned the EGR, its pretty easy, just get a new gasket. And this completly fixed my idel. I would clean the EGR first.

When I had it read about 3 weeks ago (before plugs and wires were changed) it was that one of the cylinders was running lean. Light came back on, probably same code, but I cannot say for sure.

vaccuum leak..

Think so? I am in the process of replacing the TPS (this is like my third try), seems to be making things worse. Its naking my throttle stay open after I come to a stop.. Does anyone know anything about this or where to look in my repair manual to find Throttle Position Sensor? I cant find it. Its a 96 4-cyl, section, page no, anything would help. I cant find it for the life of me. I am also cleaning my MAF right now. Thanks for the help.

-Dylan