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Multiple problems? Or one with many symptoms?

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gaberlcs

New CEG'er
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
6
My car is a 96 Contour GL 2.0 Zetec ATX

I have many problems occurring currently. So much that I'm even afraid to drive it long distances. I believe many of these can be fixed from one solution.
Here I go...

1. While driving my car shudders between 2nd and 3rd gears. When going from Overdrive to 3rd it bucks violently unless I give it more gas. For instance when the terrain changes to an incline while I'm driving in O/D, and my throttle position remains the same, the bucking will occur. Usually it's so bad that I slam it into 2nd just to keep it from bucking. One night, while it was bucking bucking around like a mustang, the CEL (which is always on) began to blink in one second intervals, which I found out meant the engine was misfiring. I just recently replace the spark plugs, but did notice some (not major) wear and tear on the second spark cable.

Now, keep #1 in mind while I explain #2 because I believe they are similar.

2. While replacing spark plugs, I noticed the plugs and chambers covered in oil. This really wasn't a big deal to me, because I've been having this problem for a while. However, thinking my transmission fluid was low, I wiped the dip stick and noticed traces of oil in in the fluid! And it was extremely high. Seeing this, I checked my oil dipstick, and found it was three quarts low after just having an oil change. So I'm theorizing, could the three quarts have gone into my transmission? I didn't notice any transmission fluid on my oil dipstick.

These are my major problems, now for some electrical fun.

3. My backup lights don't light up. I've read on here to check the switch, but I have absolutely no clue where to find it, and Chilton doesn't explain it very well.

4. Only the top half of my defrosting grid works. Not that major of a problem, but since I live in Michigan, it can be a nuisance.

5. The air only blows through the defrosting vents. Again, I've seen this on the forums, but I don't know where to even began looking for vacuum leaks and the such.


This was a $700 car, and I've fixed nearly half of the problems I've had. This is my first true car, (besides a $3,000 Lemon) and I've grown attached to it. I hope you guys can help. This forum has helped me out so much before, and I just now started an account.

Thanks!
 
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5: the vacuum lines are BEHIND the radio/HVAC area. you can see them if you lay in the passenger floorboard with your head pushed in to the firewall. look for a missing/broken/unconnected vacuum line.

4: likely a break in the defrost grid on the rear window. they do make repair kits for this, but they aren't pretty, especially if you've got an eye for that sort of thing.. (it sticks out to the owner more than anyone!)

3: after checking applicable fuses, I'd work my way to the brake on/off switch (BOO switch). If your third light (the one in the window) lights up, however, it isn't the BOO switch, and I would move to the MFS (Multi Function Switch) aka, the turn signal stalk. There are replacement procedures and pictures on the forums, and I am sure a simple search for MFS, MFS repair, or how-to would suffice.

If it is the BOO switch, its the switch on the back side of the brake pedal itself., normally closed, when you press the brake pedal it moves AWAY from the BOO switch (opening it) and lighting your rear lights.

2, and 1.

Is your CEL on? even if not, take it to Autozone and have the codes pulled. Get the code NUMBER (not the description they give you) and return with it for further help. the code should be a 4 digit number (or multiple codes!)
 
Welcome.


"1. While driving my car shudders between 2nd and 3rd gears. When going from Overdrive to 3rd it bucks violently unless I give it more gas. For instance when the terrain changes to an incline while I'm driving in O/D, and my throttle position remains the same, the bucking will occur. Usually it's so bad that I slam it into 2nd just to keep it from bucking. One night, while it was bucking bucking around like a mustang, the CEL (which is always on) began to blink in one second intervals, which I found out meant the engine was misfiring. I just recently replace the spark plugs, but did notice some (not major) wear and tear on the second spark cable.

Now, keep #1 in mind while I explain #2 because I believe they are similar.

2. While replacing spark plugs, I noticed the plugs and chambers covered in oil. This really wasn't a big deal to me, because I've been having this problem for a while. However, thinking my transmission fluid was low, I wiped the dip stick and noticed traces of oil in in the fluid! And it was extremely high. Seeing this, I checked my oil dipstick, and found it was three quarts low after just having an oil change. So I'm theorizing, could the three quarts have gone into my transmission? I didn't notice any transmission fluid on my oil dipstick."


When was the last time you changed the PCV valve and ATFluid? Try those two first.

"3. My rear lights don't light up. I've read on here to check the switch, but I have absolutely no clue where to find it, and Chilton doesn't explain it very well."
Your reverse lights (white) or rear lamps (red)?

"4. Only the top half of my defrosting grid works. Not that major of a problem, but since I live in Michigan, it can be a nuisance."
You have a break in the grid. Locate it and repair with repair kit (Permatex) from Advance or Autozone.

"5. The air only blows through the defrosting vents. Again, I've seen this on the forums, but I don't know where to even began looking for vacuum leaks and the such."
Start by looking under the dash.
http://www.contour.org/FAQ/FAQ.php?s=probs&displayid=26

Edit. Ray got most of your questions. What he didn't, I think I have covered.
 
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I mistyped #3. I meant my backup lights, not my rear lights. Thanks for the input though, I'll check it out.

*editing original post
 
I've changes my transmission fluid about six months ago, and I don't think I've ever changed the PCV valve. Would this be a solution to the excessive amount of oil in my piston chambers and the major blow by?

I'll give it a shot tonight either way.
 
gaberlcs said:
I've changes my transmission fluid about six months ago, and I don't think I've ever changed the PCV valve. Would this be a solution to the excessive amount of oil in my piston chambers and the major blow by?

I'll give it a shot tonight either way.
Click to expand...


Yes.. it would.

as per reverse lights, check the sensor on the tranny, there is a thead from less than a week ago in troubleshooting, or transaxle that outlined the sensor, location, and pictures.
 
Come to find out, I had bad wires. After replacing them, my car runs like gold.

I still will replace the PCV valve when I have the time. Didn't realize you have take off the Catalytic Converter just to get to the valve.

I've checked the vacuum tubes, and didn't notice any of them off or loose. However while checking, I noticed foreign speaker wire. Looks like the previous owner had a bass in the trunk before I bought it. Maybe they pulled a tube loose in the process.
 
kcobra said:
i am not positive about the zetec but i doubt the cat needs to come off to change the pcv.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm reading my Chilton book, and it says I do need to take off the cat. Unless there is another way not mentioned in the book?
 
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