Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Really need some help here!! Car shut off!!

Hey guys, I really need some help from the experts on this one. I was driving home from school yesterday, and after about 170 miles my car just shut off on the highway. I got off the road, checked the fluid levels, and everything else I knew, and I couldn't find anything wrong. I checked my computer chip to make sure it was connected properely, everything was fine there. The only think that I could think of was that I just re oiled my K&N, but I highly doubt it was that because the car didn't run rough at all. I tried to start the car several times, it turned over, but the tach didn't jump at all and obviously the engine didn't start. When I got it back to the shop, it started up good as ever... There was no check engine light, so the computer didn't throw any codes out. At first we thought the ignition might have given out...but the car has been fine since. The only thing I can do is drive it a lot while I'm home and hope it happens again and that I can pinpoint the problem so it doesn't happen again on my way back.

I just thought some of the contour experts out there might know what is going on with my car. Thanks a lot!

Man I hate it when you run out of quarters for the Juke box.
Anyhow I vaguely remember one of members in St Louis with a a chip had the similiar thing happen. "RFI" It was something to do with transmiters in a contruction area??? Been too long ago. However knowing where and how the Chip is located it could be prone to RFI, since it's not inside and sheilded like the main PCM board. Acts like an antenna.
I think his just shut off for a second or so.
Be interesting to see if there might be a pending code, however since you've been driving it may have cancelled out.
Not sure if Ford would have written any code for such an event anyhow. I'm from here to Pluto on having enough knowledge about that area.
Paul
N8BUU

When you tried to re-start, did it turn over slow, like the battery was weak?

If so, you may have a weak battery or alternator or some bad connections in your charging system.

My only experience with this is when my first new alternator came un-plugged (stupid mechanic lost the retaining wire on the plug & didn't replace it or tell me). The car ran for about 30 miles then the tach zeroed, then the other instruments, then everything died. The battery just couldn't keep the car running any more.

If your car runs fine now, your answers will likely be found elsewhere.

Thanks for the imput guys. My car has been running pretty much better than ever since last night (I recently added the dmd and cleaned my air filter). Also, we hooked the computer up to it as soon as we got it back and it didn't throw any codes out. I don't think it was a problem with the battery, since my 4 way flashers ran for about 1.5-2 hours after the car shut off. I also had the alternator replaced by ford under warranty about 1-2 years ago(if that says anything )

On another note, I just heard from talking to my sister who also has a contour, that her mother-in-law, who also has a contour, had the same thing happen to her. She said it only happened when her tank was half full or so, and they realised later that one of the two fuel lines had to be replaced. This is kind of ironic becuase my car shut off right when it was at 1/2 tank ....so I"m not sure if this would have anything to do with it or not. I don't know much about fuel systems, but I have read on here that some tour's have a returnless system and others don't, so I don't know if this would even apply to me.

Just a though, thanks

Same problem with my 2000 (V6). First started happening if fuel was less than 1/4 tank. Now happens at a little above 1/2 tank. Have seen a number of similar posts, but has anyone identified cause and fix?