Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting bad idle in D while stopped at a light

It won't do it while cold (below mid-gauge), but I've noticed tonight that my temp has risen at about the same time it started doing this. (it's about 3/4 on the gauge needle pointing straight at A on the *normal* word. It used to be at about M before...)

I'm sick & tired of that car. cost me about 4,600$ CA to get it running (stealership misdiagnosed a cracked head and had me replace about 2,200 in parts.)

So far,

-O2 sensor
-Timing Belt/Waterpump (the pump caused the engine to overheat)
-Battery (it was almost dead anyways)
-Plugs
-Air Bypass

I TOLD them to check the head/gasket, but no, it was fine until about a week later when it overheated in about 30 secs.

Had the engine/tranny replaced by a scrapyard.

(they wanted 3,000CA for a new head, those guys are crazy

I will have the supports checked, since it was done about 3 weeks ago, something might have come loose.

Hi deable ! I have exactly the same problem with my 97 contour. While at D and halted it viberates along with the dashboard. I have tried replacing Engine mounts, but it did'nt make any difference. Have changed o2 sensors twice. Changing O2 sensor did'nt make any difference as well.

I have the exact same problem. I didn't think about the pvc valve. That's the next thing to replace. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with this problem.

A PCV related problem I have also found (that adds to the vibration/poor idle) follow the PCV line where it passes under the thermostat housing over to the intake side of the engine. It will go back into a 1 1/2 foot of rubber hose that connects to the intake mani. I found my line to have a flat spot and allowing no draw.

The other thing I did was the motor mounts. Front and rear, I didn't do the sides. A good way to double check them is pop the hood watch the engine and put it into drive, the engine shouldn't move too much.