Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting vibration when returning to idle

Hello Gang,
I'm brand new here, new to computers too so bear with me. I'm on the verge of maybe purchasing a 99 Contour SVT. Took it for a drive and only had one concern (aside from the god awful shift feel.) When the engine is returning to and just about at idle either coasting or stationary I feel a slight humming vibration in the engine that can actually be felt ever so slightly through the steering wheel as well. Checking under the hood it sounds like it's coming from somewhere on the left side of the engine. It's almost like a soft whirring sound. It stops after about 1 second. I really appreciate any thoughts any of you have on the subject and thank you in advance for your time.

Ron
Chicago

Haha, you will notice many more sounds and vibrations as you get accustomed to the car.

As for your little whirring sound, its probably the timeing belt. People have asked me if my car is supercharged because of that sound.

I know this doesn't help you much. As for the sound... I wouldn't worry about it unless the vibration is followed by a drastic drop in rpm's or any nocking or pinging.

This car requires a little more maintnence than some others in its class, but if you treat it right you will not be dissapointed with its performance. My SVT and I have had our differences in the past but when it comes down to it, no other car can provide the same ammount of performance for the same price.

Timing belt? Sorry, all Contour 2.5 V6 engines have timing chains, not belts.

If you're hearing whining, it's more likely a failing serpentine belt bearing (either the idler pulley or the tensioner pulley, both fairly common failure items). Thankfully, fairly cheap and easy to replace.

If it is the timing chain or serpintine belt, have the place you are buying it from replace it before you agree to buy it. I did this w/ the place I got my car from- made them replace the battery.