Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Countour 5-Speed 1998 Stalls at Decelleration

Hi guys, first time poster. I need some help with my 1998 Contour. Here's the symptoms and what I've done so far to fix it.

1. Car idles funny. The RPM's dip and the car shakes.
2. Shifting gears is very jerky.
3. Car stalls at random times. At random times I'm usually decelerating while on Neutral.
4. Check Engine Light On.

Okay, so I took it to a mechanic, and the check engine light was complaining about the O2 sensor and a broken pipe (Cant remember what its called, had to do with air intake. I'll post again when I get home and have the reciept.). Anyways, now the check engine light is gone, the car dosen't dip and shake at idle and shifting is smooth again... BUT the car still stalls at random times, especially when i'm decelerating at neutral. I'm guessing this is actually two separate problems, but I am at a loss (and so are the mechanics) as to what the problem is.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Riz.

1.Which engine?
2.Get the CEL codes and post them.

I am having a simular random stall problem with my 99 4-cyl, auto Mystique. however, my CEL was not on. It had a poor idle problem as well and sputtered under moderate acceleration. I tuned it up, plugs, plug wires, fuel filter, and fuel injector cleaner. Spent a good bit of time under the hood checking for bad vacuum hoses. I also checked and cleaned the battery terminals. And still experienced the same problems. I replaced the IAC valve and the idle problem was fixed. However, it still stalled and sputtered.

I finally gave up and handed it over to a good local mechanic that I have used in the past, he used to work at a ford dealer before he opened his own shop. He seems to think it is a electrical problem in the wiring somewhere and has been trying to track it down.

You may have an electrical problem as well. Just thought I would mention it.

The engine is a 4 Cylinder, 5-speed. The Check Engine light no longer comes up, but the car still stalls. It used to complain about the O2 sensor. After replacing it, the CEL went away.

i have a similiar problem with my 96 se. mine is my ECM

I have the same problem with my 98 CSVT, 61,000 miles. Not sure what is going on, could it be a fuel problem? Anyone else have some helpful advice?


-Alex

what about the IAC? its probably hitting higher miles... maybe its time to clean it? I have 117K and I need to clean mine soon.

Already replaced the IAC about 200 miles ago. I can't find any vacuum leaks either, but I have been noticing that my car tends to have a low fuel pressure issue from time to time.