Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Secondary butterfly valve

On my 98.5 SE V6 ATX, when accelerating, the car hits around 3500 rpm and loses power, completely. I have located the problem, its a valve in the xxxx that opens around that RPM, and allows air into the shorter intake runners. It only occurrs in warmer weather, and runs like hell in the winter with no problems. I was just curious as to whether anyone else had the problem, or if my car just sucks. I haven't been able to replace the valve, as the car is having collision damage (not my fault). Also questions as to why the hell the rear drums lock up so easy (non abs).

The IMRC is a little box that controls those butterflies and is well known for dying, especially when its hot. Its located on the back of the engine under the air duct and EGR. Some people have opened them up and fixed them, something about slipping gears. The shafts going into the LIM should turn easily when disconnected from the IMRC unless they are gunked up.

Didn't know 98.5 SE had drums, sticking E-brake cable or levers, and warped rotors most common.

The IRMC box is actually located under the plastic shroud above the FRONT cam cover. I changed mine a couple of months ago. The cable frayed and jamned up so that it would often stick, usually in a partually open position.