Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance I have a VCT motor in a non-VCT car. CEL issues.

Alright, in an introductory post of mine, I stated that the engine was replaced in my 98 Contour. Reason being, it had a cracked head gasket, and when you check the labor rates, it's cheaper to replace the motor. So, in went a I-4 Zetec from a 2000 Contour. Now, the Check Engine Light (CEL) is on all the time. Took it to a tech friend of ours, and he said "it's showing a cam timing error." (not sure of the codes off hand, I'll get them tomorrow.) Thing is, this is a VCT motor, and I have a non-VCT car. The original ECU is still in the car. So, I have a really strong hunch that the CEL is from the ECU looking for the EGR and not finding it, instead the exhaust cam is "off time" to it.

Simple question:

Would it be easier to get an ECU from a 99+ (VCT equipped) Contour or Mystique to control the VCT and maybe improve driveability? Or should I just sit on this for a while until I get my Ranger rebuilt, and go for a s/c 3.0 6 speed?

I obviously know which one is "easier."

Thanks in advance.

Id assume a new ECM would fix it...

I thought that 98+ Contours all had VCT equipped Zetec engines??? no?

Perhaps the 98.5+ Contours? Or was there not an engine change midyear, just a trim change?

From what I gathered in my searches of this board, the VCT came in during the 99 model year. Although I may be mistaken. I'm very, very new to this community. (My first FWD vehicle period.) Now, give me a Ranger/Explorer platform and I can tell you what you need to know

It's all 98s and up. Post your exact code and you could some better help.

Alright, tried getting the codes pulled at Auto-Zone yesterday evening, they said "we don't do it after 5, come back tomorrow." That makes sense, because those who have to work, can take off early to get there....anyway.

Went back today, got them pulled, P1380 and P1381 I've seen the 1380 around these boards, so I'm going to search a little....

The car has a MFG date of 8/97. That would be rather early in the 98 year. Would there be any pertinent info in the VIN?

Alright, it is definately VCT. This sucks. Ford, in the year 1998, decided to use a type of wiring that we stopped using in Naval aircraft in the 1970's. This crap is falling apart!!! This is ridiculous. I started checking the wiring harness, and the insulation just falls right off. Pulled the "protective" boot off the VCT Solenoid. Found that the insulation on both wires has completely rotted off and was allowing the two to contact. There's a lot of corrosion on the wire too. Looked around the engine bay some more. The insulation on the positive side of the battery....coming off.... looked at the coil pack, some of it's coming off there too.

I'm surprised there isn't a recall, this could be a serious safety issue. Then again, it's probably cheaper for them to settle outside of court than it is to pay to replace a full-body harness. For some reason, Fight Club comes to mind.

Alright, tried to edit my previous posts in this thread, but was "past the time limit"....

I was frustrated yesterday and posted that shortly before leaving town.

Was PMed the info on the 99M03 recall by Stryker. But it's for 95-97 vehicles. However, my harness is showing all the symptoms listed in the recall. And I do have a mfg date of 8/97. Even though I'm a 98 model year. I'm going to do a little more research and see what I can turn up. Thanks.

...wow....10 results for recalls on the NHTSA.gov site....

sigh.

can u get the ECU from the new block?

No, for some reason, after really digging into the car I don't think it would fix it. I'm going to contact the dealership in a couple days. My dad has some contacts within the maintenance departments of several of them. We'll see what happens.