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Yes, it's me again. The one with the 96 Ford Contour. This time, it's a real puzzler. My car is having trouble starting once the key is turned to start. It revs for a few seconds, then kicks over to full power. There's a power drain somewhere that I can't find, which is strange considering the battery's less than two years old. According to my relatives, I may have a fuel filter problem and dirty spark plugs which would explain the power loss. All I have to do is tap on the gas pedal and the engine turns over almost immediately. (Course, I think it's the starter, but I know auto mechanics the way a rock knows Shakespeare.) Does anyone have a diagram on how to replace a dirty fuel filter and spark plugs?
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, guys.
"A drunk god is a stupid dangerous things"
-unknown
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 67
CEG\'er
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A power drain is caused by a wiring fault somewhere. Hook up a voltmeter or test light in series with the negative battery wire and terminal, pull all fuses but one, and reinsert them until it shows there is current flowing. This way, you'll know which circuit is draining your battery. Look in your owners manual fuse diagram and see what that fuse operates. Check the component and its wiring.
Note: While testing, do not do anything that will draw a large amount of current (eg. headlights, accessories, starter). Do this test with the ignition OFF.
Fuel filter and spark plugs are very easy. Check out the autzone website's Contour repair guide or a service manual, you'll find illustrated step by step instructions.
Last edited by mcgarvey; 06/12/06 10:51 PM.
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Addicted CEG\'er
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"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Joined: Sep 2000
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Originally posted by WeirdArchives:
Yes, it's me again. The one with the 96 Ford Contour. This time, it's a real puzzler. My car is having trouble starting once the key is turned to start. It revs for a few seconds, then kicks over to full power. There's a power drain somewhere that I can't find, which is strange considering the battery's less than two years old. According to my relatives, I may have a fuel filter problem and dirty spark plugs which would explain the power loss. All I have to do is tap on the gas pedal and the engine turns over almost immediately. (Course, I think it's the starter, but I know auto mechanics the way a rock knows Shakespeare.) Does anyone have a diagram on how to replace a dirty fuel filter and spark plugs?
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, guys.
I don't follow your description of the problem. If the engine starts then stalls, it won't be a battery problem.
If the engine cranks but does not start, it would only be a battery problem if it cranked very slowly.
If it cranks normally but does not start until you hold the throttle slightly open, you may have an IAC (idle air control) valve that is sticking shut. Clean it and try again. Sometimes it doesn't respond to cleaning and must be replaced.
If it starts but idles very slow for a moment and then move up the the normal cold high idle, again it is probably a sticking IAC.
If it is something else, please try again with your explanation.
This may help.
Cranking = engine spins with starter motor.
Turns Over = cranks
Starts = engine starts and runs
Stalls = engine is running and shuts off by itself
Revs = engine speeds up
Full power = full throttle acceleration
I guess what I'm trying to understand is your comment "engine revs for a few seconds then kicks over to full power".
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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I crank the engine to start. The starting time is off by a few seconds. The span is getting longer with each crank, unless I drive around for awhile in which case the starting time is shorten considerably. When I give it some gas before starting, the time lag seems to be normal. I don't stall out when I'm driving it. It's the starting and the drain on the battery that's giving me a headache.
The airbag light did its signal flash a couple days ago, but that has stopped when I recharged the battery. The brightness of the clock is remained dim since I've been having my starting problems. It doesn't brighten up when I use the headlights for night driving. One of the guys here suggested it may be a faulty wire involved.
Does this help?
"A drunk god is a stupid dangerous things"
-unknown
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Originally posted by WeirdArchives:
.... The brightness of the clock is remained dim since I've been having my starting problems. It doesn't brighten up when I use the headlights for night driving. One of the guys here suggested it may be a faulty wire involved.
...
Maybe the bulb for the clock is burnt out.
Disconnect battery. Pop the clock assembly out (using an old credit card). Then use a small screwdriver to unscrew the bulb assembly. Install new bulb assembly (part number E5RY-13466-BA)
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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