Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Check Engine Light

Hi guys,

Got 3 questions...

1 - This is about the 4th or 5th time the check engine light went on. Unfortunately, the light turns OFF by itself after a week or so...anyone know what specific time it takes for the light to turn itself off?

2 - The Ford dealer here in Montreal said it was a misfire on cylinder #23. For the past several months this light problem has been happening i just havent been back to the dealer cuz i know its the same thing every time. Anyway, the car also jerks a LOT... like if i give it a lot of gas it will get to 3000-4000 RPMs or so then jerk forward and give you whiplash...not always but often.

3 - Also, when i pump gas into the car, the friggin thing clicks every 30 cents or so, as if it thinks the tank is always full! Why is it doing that? It takes forever to pump and it didnt do that a few months ago either.

Anyone know what the solutions are to my 3 questions? I have a 1998 2.5L Duratec Mercury Mystique GS Sport.

Thanks for the help,

Eric

I'd start with the fuel filter if you never replaced it. Try adding high octane with a fuel system cleaner and see if the problem goes away. If it does and then comes back with regular gas, best thing would be to drain the tank.

There is a TSB for that problem. 98-15-3 "Frequent Shutoff of Fuel Handle When Filling Fuel Tank". Basicaly the fuel tank has to be dropped to replace the vent flapper valve because it sticks.

If you still have warranty (???) then you are covered. If not, it is your dime (I think). Some dealers can't do it right the first time (I remember posts about fuel spilling everywhere after the first post-repair fill). This because the Ford standard (for warranty claims) is very low ball and they try to rush through it.

IIRC, this has been changed into a Customer Satisfaction Program (or whatever FoMoCo is calling a non-safety-related recall these days), which means it's a free repair regardless of mileage. At least, I got a letter to that effect for my '98. Just tell the dealer the fuel pump handle shuts off frequently and they should be able to figure this out.

I had the work done, and it was just the ticket. Only complaint is that the fuel gauge now behaves differently, but I can live with that... I suspect they put the float/sender unit back in a different orientation than before.

Alright, I'll check the fuel tank.

What about the engine light and the jerking? Are those two things also related?

Eric