Car won't start!!

[Beezy061685]

I have a 1998 Ford Contour SE with a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. It started idling extremely roughly (shaking the car) and pulling towards the right when I reduced speed. Then, the car would just randomly die (lose power and turn off) usually after idling at stop lights and sometimes while making turns. The diagnostic codes read P1383 and P0171. It will not take a jump and none of the fuses are blown. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SICILIANSVT82]

p1383 is a cam timing code. any idea on your last timing belt replacment? your probably due for one.
p0171 is a lean code on bank 1. most likely an o2 sensor.

your first code is the bigger issue and causing the problems.

 

[WTFRandy]

I have a 1998 Ford Contour SE with a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. It started idling extremely roughly (shaking the car) and pulling towards the right when I reduced speed. Then, the car would just randomly die (lose power and turn off) usually after idling at stop lights and sometimes while making turns. The diagnostic codes read P1383 and P0171. It will not take a jump and none of the fuses are blown. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hello , I have the same issue. #1383 . Car is not starting. Starting fluid didnt do anything Im working on it today . I will keep you posted. .

 

[SICILIANSVT82]

starter fluid will do nothing to solve this issue. your having a timing problem, not a fuel problem. your timing is off because, either your timing belt snapped, or is loose and jumped a tooth. therefore it will not start.

 

[shansen8609]

Timing for sure. Also check the harmonic balancer carefully, if the rubber seal on it is coming apart, replace the pulley. It’s cheap and easy while doing the timing. Otherwise it’ll cause the same issue all over again.

 

[John Howard]

Timing for sure. Also check the harmonic balancer carefully, if the rubber seal on it is coming apart, replace the pulley. It’s cheap and easy while doing the timing. Otherwise it’ll cause the same issue all over again.

If the seal goes bad on the harmonic balancer does dirt get behind it and contaminate the timing belt and cause excessive wear? Thanks for the tip as I'm doing my timing belt soon!