Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Single Woman Needs Help With Check Engine Light

These codes are set when too low of a voltage is sent to the computer from the oxygen sensors-this can be due to both oxygen sensors being weak, vacuum leaks, low input from mass airflow sensor etc. Since both banks report lean, a cheap try is to inspect & clean mass airflow sensor hotwires & disconnect battery for 5 minutes to clear codes.

Originally posted by DemonSVT:

---

You are correct about a loose or faulty gas cap being the number 1 cause for a particular CEL code.
It would throw an evaporative control system leak code. (440 or 442)

However lean codes are not related. Lean codes are normally caused by intake leaks, fuel problems, and just tired O2 sensors.

---

Thanks for clearing that up Demon!

Thanks everyone so much. Its funny the first thing I did try was the gas cap but no luck. Turns out this morning the car was in such bad shape I could not even keep it started. It was making horrible noises. Eventually after about 15 minutes I was able to keep it running to get it over to a repair shop. He said my intake manifold gaskets (do I have 2?) were the problem and need to be replaced. He said this was a poor design of Ford and he has seen it happen before. He also said my wheel cylinder was leaking (no relation to CE problem) and he also had to replace the brakes shoes. For all this he is charging about $500. Does this sound about right or am I being overcharged? This might be my new mechanic depending on what you guys say.

Also new problem not related to the above at all. For about a year I have had other starting problems. Sometimes first thing in the morning the car will not start at all. It either ticks when I try to start or is completely silent. When I shake the gear shift then the car start perfectly? Any ideas on this one? I'm having the mechanic above check the neutral safety switch.

Sorry, so long, just so many problems. Thanks again.

I think you are not being overly charged. My upper intake gaskets on my v6 were changed recently at $14.99 ea (2 required) plus $80.00 labour... Canadian dollars.
Add on the diagnostic charges and your brakes and wheel cylinder part costs and associated labour etc, and it sounds reasonable.
check this post:
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=108272&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1