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4 Problems, please help

C

Contourgirl

New CEG'er
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
26
Location
Western Wisconsin
Ok, so my friend and I have been scratching our heads because of these 4 problems. So here goes. It is on a 1995 Ford Contour V6, 245,000 miles.

Problem #1, IDLE. When I am at a stop, my idle drops very low and gets close to dying.
What we have done so far: cleaned the upper intake (the back bank valve cover gaskets we replaced since oil was leaking into my spark plugs) so, we cleaned the upper intake and installed new gaskets. Along with new plugs and wires. And, my CEL came on as well, so we installed a new oxygen sensor on bank 2. So, it still continues. Any suggestions?

Problem #2, CLUNKING NOISE. There is a clunking noise, under my driver side (by my feet), when I am not pressing on the gas. When I am driving along, and let my foot off the gas (going anywhere between 30-55 mph) I can hear a clunk sound 3-4 times?
What we have done so far: replaced tie rod ends, replaced sway bar links, replaced control arms. All of these parts were bad to begin with, and we were replacing them anyway, so, it didn't fix the problem. Also, I just put another set of tires, brakes, and had my rotors turned.
Any ideas?

Problem #3, AIR BAG LIGHT. Yes, it is blinking. I thought there was a list of these codes somewhere on the contour website, but I couldn't find it. I have counted it and it never really gives me the same blinking code. Like it blinks 4 times or 3 times. Does anyone know where I can find the list of blinking air bag light? I just find this isssue really annoying if anything.

Problem #4, BACK UP LIGHTS. No, they stopped working. The bulbs are good, and the fuse is good. I heard we have to check the transmission range sensor to see if power is going into it (which, it should since the fuse is good, right) and to see if power is coming out of it, when the car is in reverse. Does this sound right? Has anyone else had this problem as well? Just curious.

So, that sums it up in a nut shell. After all the work to my car, I thought maybe 1 of the above (minus the backup lights)

So, thanks to anyone who has any suggestions/ideas!
 
Problem #1 - Check your IAC(Idle Air Control) valve. I assume the 95's have these? It's located on back-right(driver's side) of the upper intake manifold. It's a silver, cylinder shaped object, held on by 2 bolts, and has a paper-thin gasket. Remove the IAC and give it a good cleaning with carb cleaner. Most likely, it's still gunked up, unless you cleaned it during the UIM cleaning. You'll probably want to replace that little gasket as well, as it's only ~$1.00. This can cause a poor idle. Otherwise, check for any vacuum leaks, possibly from the UIM gaskets not seating, or possibly the throttle body.

Mark
 
Contourgirl said:
Ok, so my friend and I have been scratching our heads because of these 4 problems. So here goes. It is on a 1995 Ford Contour V6, 245,000 miles.

Problem #1, IDLE. When I am at a stop, my idle drops very low and gets close to dying.

Problem #2, CLUNKING NOISE. There is a clunking noise, under my driver side (by my feet), when I am not pressing on the gas. When I am driving along, and let my foot off the gas (going anywhere between 30-55 mph) I can hear a clunk sound 3-4 times?

Problem #3, AIR BAG LIGHT. Yes, it is blinking.

Problem #4, BACK UP LIGHTS. No, they stopped working. The bulbs are good, and the fuse is good.
Click to expand...

I'll try to help, but AM IN NO WAY AN EXPERT! One suggestion, when you are asking for help like this, it is best to give a little bit about the car, like for instance Manual or Auto?

Wow that's a lot of miles especially for a Contour.

1. IDLE- Have you checked the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)? IAC?

2. My gut says Motor mounts/ roll resistors? The rubber in them can wear out in 11 years and 250K miles. Get underneath and take a look at them. It's not a hard thing to change out.

3. It IS a 2 digit code, it will flash then pause then flash, so you need to count the series of flashes. Sounds like you may have a 34 or 43. http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=38271

4. Check the sensor on the Tranny.

Good luck! With that many miles and all of these problems you are going to need it, I'm afraid!
 
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Thanks!

Thanks!

Man, you guys are fast! Ok.
So, now I have a new list to check on things.

1. IDLE - check IAC, I don't remember if we cleaned it or not. I will take it off again and clean it for good measure. If that doesn't work, then the TPS.

2. CLUNKING NOISE - I will check on the motor mounts/roll resistors.

3. AIR BAG LIGHT - I will check out the flashing sequence and go to the link that was posted.

4. BACKUP LIGHTS - I will check the sensor on the tranny.

So, I will try these out later after work. I will then post and tell you all what I find. I think it's nice to do that so other can have something to refer to. I did try to search these things, but I seem to not get what I am looking for. I guess, what I am trying to say, is I stink at searching. So, sorry if all of this is old stuff.
Also, 250,000 miles is high (1995 Contour LX V6 Auto), and I do expect to replace all sorts of things on my car, I do realize this and am ok with it. I like my car. It's really nice to have a friend who can help me with all of these things. And as a bonus he has a nice snap on code reader. He loves using it too.
Funny how small things make such a big difference. Last week we replaced a head light connector, it was melted. I could go on, but I won't.

So, thanks again for all of your suggestions.
 
I would just like to say that you present yourself in such a manner that would surprise 90% of our members.

You are very well spoken, and your knowledge (or... correct usage of terminology/association with parts) is impressive. It sounds as if your list of previous work is because you KNOW what you've done, and not because you read it off of a list that someone wrote. Like you take pride in understanding the "what and why's" of a car. Two VERY impressive thumbs up!

With your vehicle being an auto, I'll ask: Do your rpms hang low when in GEAR and your foot on the brake (at a stop), or are they just as bad in Neutral and at a stop?

For the clunking noise, depending on the type of sound you are hearing it could be the motor mounts/roll restrictor, or it could possibly be an old/rusty heat shield for the exhaust. The sound would more likely be present other than only when you let off the gas, but stranger things have been seen on here!

As for the air bag light: as alluded to, the code is a two digit code.

Code digit 1, pause, code digit two, pause pause. REPEAT.
So, a
FLASH, FLASH, FLASH, pause, flash flash, flash, flash, LONG PAUSE
would be a code 34.

Your reverse lighting procedure was pointed out above: check out that sensor! make sure its not corroded, loose, or broken. I can't imagine the amount of rust there could be on a 250K vehicle (if it lived in the north at ALL)

In case you haven't:
Read the "sticky" threads in each applicable forum for you (duratec, maintenance, how-to, etc) There are links to common questions, problems and procedures. Due to a resent migration from old software a good bit of our how-tos and links are still not transferred, but never fear, we'll get them here soon!

Searching already? WONDERFUL. Keep it up!

Oh, and as always, Welcome to the CEG! You'll love it here! Its really nice to see someone take pride and care in their vehicle, and that will come to serve you well on here! Any other questions, just holler!
 
Check for corrosion at connectors or inside the bulb sockets for the reverse lights. That happens when water leaks into the tail light lens and then the trunk. Happened to me. I sanded down the rusty contacts and greased them with silicone grease, still works years later. The transmission mount, drivers side is known to fail and make clunks. Good luck fixing it up!
 
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FavoriteMystaque said:
The transmission mount, drivers side is known to fail and make clunks. Good luck fixing it up!
Click to expand...


Check the driver's side wheel well, and look for the transmission case to be resting on the subframe (control arm that you replaced bolts to the subframe)


If the transmission is touching it, or close, then you've likely got a failed(failing) transmission mount.
 
Sorry.. its something that I add to the bottom of any troubleshooting forum/general forum post that I make a relavent or lengthy addition to.

What if nobody welcomed her back then? Hmm? Ever think of that? (Some people just CAN'T be nice, can they? like YOU! :D :D :D )
 
LoL, no one ever welcomed me. :( nah thats okay though. I love my SVT and got tons of pics of installs and work I've done on it, just a couple weeks ago I replaced my conpressor, dryer, and orfice filter by my self, had a little help from a member on finding the filter. I'll be more than happy to post pics and stuff on my webpage I have if anyone ever needs help on something that I've done before too.
 
By ALL FREAKING MEANS, post pictures and writeups of anything you have done. the better the write-up, the more help to others!

ANYTHING A/C related will be VERY valuable, especially dryer/accumulator stuff, as those are the things that go out the most often (and compressors, too, I guess.)
 
Ray said:
By ALL FREAKING MEANS, post pictures and writeups of anything you have done. the better the write-up, the more help to others!

ANYTHING A/C related will be VERY valuable, especially dryer/accumulator stuff, as those are the things that go out the most often (and compressors, too, I guess.)
Click to expand...

Yes, Ray is right. Please post any How-To's you can and photos to go along with them. Then people who search can find things and not have to ask. I've heard other refer to this site as a reference area for Contour knowledge.

Ray knows, he has written several GOOD How-to's with photos.

I don't have a 'Tour anymore, but need to pull my AC compressor and replace it. I have a replacement, just haven't gotten around to it. Is the freon (R24 or whatever it's called) something I can replace myself? I see kits at the parts stores with gauges etc. Or do I need to take it in ?
 
I'll answer that one in a way that gives information, but doesn't give you a direct answer;

R12 (the old style) is not available to the public.
R-134A (new style) is available on the shelf, to the public.

You can refill R134a on your own. You can also OVERFILL, break, or damage your A/C system on your own.

It can be done by yourself, but my "official" stance is: Have your A/C system serviced and repaired by a QUALIFIED professional.
I would go so far as to say you could REPLACE the parts, but have a professional evacuate and refill the system afterwards.
 
Small update

Small update

Hey guys. I haven't had much time to do any further troubleshooting yet. With the exception of the annoying air bag light blinking. So far, it has blinked 4 times, pause, then 4 more times. I found the old post 44 = RH Primary Crash Sensor Not Mounted to Vehicle Properly. Has anyone else had this problem? Just curious, I haven't had the time to even find where it is on the car yet.

So, it continues! Ha ha. And, I do have some awesome pics of the valve cover gasket job we did. Do we need any on this website? If so, let me know so I can email them to the right person. (I love the pics of the chains!).
 
Ray said:
I'll answer that one in a way that gives information, but doesn't give you a direct answer;

R12 (the old style) is not available to the public.
R-134A (new style) is available on the shelf, to the public.

You can refill R134a on your own. You can also OVERFILL, break, or damage your A/C system on your own.

It can be done by yourself, but my "official" stance is: Have your A/C system serviced and repaired by a QUALIFIED professional.
I would go so far as to say you could REPLACE the parts, but have a professional evacuate and refill the system afterwards.
Click to expand...

Ray--

I think I understand. It is R-134a that I would need. I can have it evacuated and refilled professionally.

If I replace the compressor on my own, won't it be evacuated pretty well on it's own?
 
Ex-Mean'Tour said:
Ray--

I think I understand. It is R-134a that I would need. I can have it evacuated and refilled professionally.

If I replace the compressor on my own, won't it be evacuated pretty well on it's own?
Click to expand...


yes the system will be empty of R-134a but you need to vacuum down the system before filling it ... it has to be in a state of vacuum, you must get all of the air out of the system as it will have a negative effect on the cooling ability of the AC. this can be done at home if you have a vacuum pump, you can get a venturi syle one for about $50 that runs off 90 psi shop air ...

you also need a proper gage set so you can monitor low and high side system pressures
 
BrApple said:
yes the system will be empty of R-134a but you need to vacuum down the system before filling it ... it has to be in a state of vacuum, you must get all of the air out of the system as it will have a negative effect on the cooling ability of the AC. this can be done at home if you have a vacuum pump, you can get a venturi syle one for about $50 that runs off 90 psi shop air ...

you also need a proper gage set so you can monitor low and high side system pressures
Click to expand...

Ah, Ok. Too much for little old me. I will (eventually as I don't really need it now!) pull the compressor and replace it, and then have it professionally refilled.

Thanks!

Contourgirl-- SORRY FOR THE THREAD HIJACK !

I think usually on the Airbag sensors, the problems are usually wiring related.
 
Update - 1 fixed, 1 not sure, 2 close to fix.

Update - 1 fixed, 1 not sure, 2 close to fix.

I was able to find time to look at the 4 problems, so here's an update:

1. Idle - we took off the IAC and cleaned it with carb cleaner, on the way to work this morning, I didn't have an issue, the car seemed to run fine (I'll know more the next few trips in stop and go traffic).

2. CLUNKING NOISE - Yes, it is the motor mounts. Question for anyone who has done this before, how did you do it? It is the one that is located on the bottom, closest to the firewall. It looks like a tight squeeze down there.

3. AIR BAG LIGHT - It blinked a 44, and we found the passenger side crash sensor, what do we do to it next? Should we take it off the car? Replace it? Any suggestions?

4. BACKUP LIGHTS NOT WORKING - We were trying to locate the transmission range sensor to test it, and we were playing with the wires (checking the connections) and I went and tried reverse, and the backup lights worked. So, this weekend, we'll cut off the connectors and spice the wires together and use the shrink stuff. So, just a wiring issue (not very surprising).
 
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