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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26
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OP
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26 |
I've got a 96 SE and I can't feel it missing while I'm driving it but when it's in park and I rev the throttle it starts missing at 4000. Recently I've had the plugs, wires and fuel filter changed. The CEL light has been on for several weeks but it was doing the same thing before that. I had the codes read yesterday at a transmission shop and they said it was the downstream exhaust and was running lean. I guess that would be the cats or O2 sensors? Fuel pump maybe? Anyway, should I replace the sensors and see if this improves performance? The cats have a real strong sulphur smell if I drive it hard.
TIA
Mark Stenger
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27
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Posts: 27 |
Your in luck - you have the beginning of a failure of the intake motor runner control! Some will tell you that you will not be able to get the engine about 3500rpm if this is the problem, but trust me, I still could yet the IMRC was the problem that caused my check engine light. The car drove what I thought was normally, but once I changed it, look out! You'll say "Where did all this power come from?!" I am positive about it - change your intake motor runner control, and get ready!
jpb
1998 Ford Contour SE
Gold, with Blue Leather Interior
Duratec, with +4's and a K&N!
108,000km and climbing!
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 89
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Posts: 89 |
i had the same prob, hit 3500-4000 in park, car stumbled. ended up getting the light. took it in and had the intake runner controller(?) replaced under warranty. would have cost alot of $$$ if i didnt have warranty. but made a huge difference.
Black '98 Mystique V6 atx. superchip,2 1/4" SVT style dual exhaust (custom) with no cat, high flow res, flo-pro mufflers with Ractive tips, 8.5" K&N conical with CTA adapter, UR Ultra Street Pulley, TH-fix. 215/45/17 Bridgestone RE730's on Konig Absolute wheels. Trans go Shift Kit, High stall torgue convertor, 24000 BTU transmission cooler.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 26 |
Thanks guys. I'll check into that part. Is it easily replaceable?
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 515
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Posts: 515 |
My car is the same. BUT, I have plenty of power and no CEL or anything. I was under the impression that the engine PCM doesn't let the RPM above 4000 when in neutral. My sable was like this too. In gear, it went to red line. in neutral, the PCM cut the fuel at 4000 RPM. I don't doubt the other posters had problems, but if your car is running o.k. otherwise, I think it is just the PCM doing what it is supposed to. My secondaries open in neutral, but 4000 RPM is it. In drive, it pulls hard right to redline. I have 28000 miles and the car is in good condition. Maybe Terry H. or someone more familiar can verify this before you get crazy. Engine RPM/Vehicle Speed Limiter
The powertrain control module (PCM) will disable some or all of the fuel injectors whenever an engine rpm or vehicle overspeed condition is detected. The purpose of the engine rpm or vehicle speed limiter is to prevent damage to the powertrain. The vehicle will exhibit a rough running engine condition, and the PCM will store a Continuous Memory DTC P1270. Once the driver reduces the excessive speed, the engine will return to the normal operating mode. No repair is required. However, the technician should clear the PCM and inform the customer of the reason for the DTC.
Excessive wheel slippage may be caused by sand, gravel, rain, mud, snow, ice, etc. or excessive and sudden increase in rpm while in NEUTRAL or while driving. This is from the Ford Tech service CD. This is what you probably had. Good luck 
"My Name is Richard. I am a Contouraholic."
1999 SE Sport Duratec ATX Spruce Green; Drop--In K&N Filter; VentShades;
Fog Lamp Fix Mod & PIAA510s with Bumper Braces & Stock Type aiming screw mod;
PIAA 9006 Super White Headlamps
AIWA CDC-MP3 HU; WeatherTech Mats
Viper 600ESP w/Remote entry
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 647
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Posts: 647 |
My wife?s Zetec/ATX does the same thing... all `tour ATX do it.
I would get the code looked at, I?ve never had the car throw a MIL because I was revving in neutral/park.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 515
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Posts: 515 |
The CEL is probably the O2 sensor or something else. The rough running at 4000 RPM in neutral is probably the PCM saying "Stop That", IMHO  He said the stumble was happening weeks before the CEL. Thinking some more though, it could be the fuel cut-off caused the lean condition and threw the CEL then. Mine didn't do that. I agree he should have the codes checked.
"My Name is Richard. I am a Contouraholic."
1999 SE Sport Duratec ATX Spruce Green; Drop--In K&N Filter; VentShades;
Fog Lamp Fix Mod & PIAA510s with Bumper Braces & Stock Type aiming screw mod;
PIAA 9006 Super White Headlamps
AIWA CDC-MP3 HU; WeatherTech Mats
Viper 600ESP w/Remote entry
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 70
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just asking but if your are an se atx, are you sure its not the rev limiter. I cant rev my car past 4k or so in park either. It hits a limiter of some kind (while in park). While in drive the limiter is either much higher and or speed sensitive. I cant go past 112 mph. Before you replace stuff make sure its not a normal function.
98 Silver Frost Contour SE Sport ATX
BAT Handling Kit, SVT E1 Wheels, SVT TB, UIM, Airbox , SVT Exhaust, Rear Strut Brace, Pioneer Deck and 12 disc changer, Pioneer 6X8's
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 730
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Yeah, there is a rev limiter at 4k rpm while in park. Think you're just hitting that?
Kendall '97 GL Zetec ATX " Nippy "
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,861
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Yes, there is a 4000 RPM rev limiter when in Neutral or Park on ATX Contiques. It is intended to make the car somewhat "idiot proof" so that the engine doesn't get destroyed by an idiot that tries to rev it too high when out of gear.
This rev limiter is even lower on a Lincoln LS and has created a lot of concern for some customers until they understand what it is for.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
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