I have a 1998 Contour, 45k, Duratech w/ ATX.
I drove it to St Augustine from Atlanta, never dropping below 90 except for gas. Anyway, on the way back the CEL went off. I thought what the heck I'm gonna buy a new LS soon, so I put it on 100. After another 2 hours or so, the CEL went out. I took it to the dealer a few days later to have a recall performed, and on the way home after being repaired, the CEL went off. I took it back and the dealer later said that the CATS weren't running hot enough, so they need to replace them all. They ordered the parts and I took it back one week later. By the time I took it back, the CEL went out. They replaced the CATS at no charge. By the time I got it home, the CEL was back on again. Now, when I first crank it in the AM, it will idle anywhere from 500 to 1200 RPM's. All along, it seems as though it could stall at any moment, then the PCM gives it more juice. When I put it into gear, all is well. I don't believe the engine is misfiring. It still runs like a bat out of (well, you know). But every time I go to start it after it sits a few hours, it seems like the PCM doesn't know what to do to keep it idling. But again, as soon as it is put into reverse or drive, their is no issue. It idles fine in traffic at a stop. What is going on? Could they have damaged the coil packs? Maybe it's a damaged wire? Out of curiosity, how much would a coil pack and labor set me back? I may keep the car as a spare, so I want it to be right. Many thanks in advance for your thoughts!!!
BTW, I know the plugs and wires were good before I took it in for the CAT replacements. I replaced them at 40k myself (I know the book says 100k, but I'm picky and I had some time to kill).
