Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Chugging '95 ATX V6

I just spent a duece attempting to eliminate an intermittant chugging problem. It can happen anywhere from 40 mph up, usually while cruising at speed, then backing off on the gas, then giving it gas (but not flooring it). Not limited to this though. Sometimes dosen't happen for days, then daily. I took it to a reputable trannie shop. THey said it diagnosed fine. Anybody got a clue? Please e-mail rrhart@bellsouth.net

Does it cut out sometimes or stall, restart and run OK? Swap the PCM and then the Fuel Pump relay with the horn relay in the underhood fuse box. They are brown and identical parts, they are interchangeable. If the problem goes away, you found the flaky relay, buy a new one for 12 bucks and put the best one in its place. If this easy fix doesn't mend it you will need to test a few other parts like the fuel regulator and pump pressure. If you have the original wires, toss them, none of mine made it to 50K miles. Is it throwing any codes?

Thanks for the response! Never stalls, just chugs. New wires and tune-up. When you say "swap PCM...", are you refering to the chip itself, or a PCM relay ?
It did throw codes, that's why I spent the deuce. They just rechecked and reset the codes, so I am not sure I still have the problem.

Define chugging problem. My 1996 (4 cyl) just started acting up at various speeds and it does seem to be triggered by throttle activity. I am not sure I would call mine chugging, as much as all out cutting out for a second, as if the entire engine stopped for an instant. No loose of electrical power to the rest of the car. Sometimes it just cuts out once and then rides fine for a period of time, other times it happens a 1/2 dozen times over a period of a minute. Garage seems to think electrical, but they have been at it all day and have not been able to put their finger on it. Any thoughts? Please respond if you have and fixes.