Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Stalling - Ford says to reprogram the computer &..

I've got a 96 contour that's just been a money sponge.

Last time I posted it was about the junk CD4E transmission. We got a rebuilt one from an outfit in Phoenix Arizona. It lasted 3.5 months and then died. They replaced it under warranty, but I spent another $600 for the R&R.

Newest problem... Stalling and check engine light comes on. (not at the same time)

Took it to Ford dealship. Spent $142 to diag the car.

They said:

1. Mass Air Sensor Bad
2. Needs injector clean
3. Needs PCV valve
4. Needs fuel filter
5. Needs reprogramming of the computer due to replacing MAS

6 months ago before the tranny thing, we replaced the fuel pump and filter, so I'm doubtful that it's an issue, but I'll replace the filter "just in case."

Also, I had the injectors "flushed" 4 months ago. I don't know if that's the same as what the ford dealer wants to do. My local mech. charged $69. Ford wants $210 for the injector clean.

Ford wanted almost $200 for 1, 3 & 4. Found the parts online for $100 plus shipping.

While waiting for them to arrive, got a can of SeaFoam "deep creep" and sprayed the heck out of the MAS and Throttle body. (I've used this product in other cars with good success.) The car runs A LOT BETTER. I don't know if it'll stall again, but it sure runs better.

So, to my questions: What is this reprogramming the computer? Do I really need it? They have it down for 1 hour, which is $78. Is it worth it?

Should I pay Ford to clean the injectors? Are they any better at what a local mech. can do?

Thanks.

Disconnect the battery, turn on the light switch. Come back in 15 minutes. Turn the light switch off.

Hook the battery back up.

Start the car and let it idle for 30 seconds.

Apply all the electical and mechanical loads the engine will see: lights, AC, crank steering wheel stop to stop all within the next 30 seconds.

Let the car idle for 5 minutes.

Go for a 20 minute ride, putting the car through the paces it will see during normal use.

It's reprogrammed.

Next time the CEL comes on, go to AutoZone and ask one of their drones to read the codes. Write them down. Come back here and post them and ask for advise.

MAS sensors are easy to clean. Brake parts spray cleaner works very well.

Your injectors are probably fine.

The fuel filter "might" have trapped some junk from a fillup. Replacing it will remove it as a likely source for awhile. Unfortunately, one bad tank of gas can happen anytime.

Steve