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Ok Ive got a 99 Contour with 93K miles. I've read possibly EVERY post dealing with misfire and code 1380 and the VCT. I've got little to no power from a dead stop. Once up and running Im ok. Turning off the AC helps with taking off from a dead stop. So far Ive:
Replaced plugs - Champion Double Plat
Replaced wires - Some brand from Advance Auto (Xact)
Changed Oil and Filter
Replaced Fuel Filter.
Basically Im still at square 1. The above items "seemed" to improve my situation but not much - maybe not at all.
I've done about all Im able to mechanically do. What should I do next? Im thinking about just going to the "stealer ship" and having them fix it. I have a feeling the VCT may need replacing. I've read that maybe using a high detergent oil as a flush my work as well.
What do any of you think? Your advice is much needed. Thanks in advance. TD
99 Blue Contour
Automatic
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Joined: May 2002
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Replace plugs with autolite double plats, and use good wires like stock or ford motorsport.
Use 5w-30 oil and motorcraft filter.
Check the wires to the solenoid first, it may save you some money if they just happen to be frayed or something. I'm guessing though that the VCT solenoid is shot, only fix is to replace it.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Yip, you are right, code 1380 is electrical to the VCT. Try a quick check of the electrical contacts on the VCT (there are two of them). You should be getting somewhere between 3 and 6 ohm. If it is higher (the one I replaced on mine was showing 9K), the VCT solenoid is shot.
If the VCT resistance is OK, you might want to try a flush, and an oil change.
Let me know how it goes.
'98 Mystique (Zetec - ATX)
430,000 km !!
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Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
Replace plugs with autolite double plats, and use good wires like stock or ford motorsport.
Use 5w-30 oil and motorcraft filter.
Kremit, he says he already replaced his spark plugs and wires. Do you really think the BRAND he chose would cause the major problem he described (no power off idle)? And since when does dirty oil cause those symptoms?
Not everyone has an extra $75+ to just throw around. It's not fair to advise someone to go spend $75+ on new parts that he just replaced unless you really think those parts are the heart of the problem.
Please don't reply by saying the parts you recommended are "higher quality." The parts he bought would have to be totally defective to cause any serious power loss (and even then, the power loss would not occur only at low RPMs).
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Well i know that the last time i changed the plugs in the 'tour, i used autolite and maybe 5000 kms later i went to the dealer to change my timing belt and my 3 out of 4 plugs were cracked so he had to change them, the mechanic at ford also told me that the autolite were not recommended for the zetec he said that the motorcraft brand were much better...
TommyDee: do you have any CEL's lighting up, you could always go to autozone and get the codes pulled just to make sure you don't have any, it might be the cam position sensor messed up that was my problem with my car....oh and by the way the VCT is very very expensive +$500 cdn that's beside labour and every thing else the stealership charges you
- Eric
previous:
'98 contour sport
zetec mtx
light prairie tan
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Joined: May 2002
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I have no life
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I have no life
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Originally posted by caltour:
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
Replace plugs with autolite double plats, and use good wires like stock or ford motorsport.
Use 5w-30 oil and motorcraft filter.
Kremit, he says he already replaced his spark plugs and wires. Do you really think the BRAND he chose would cause the major problem he described (no power off idle)? And since when does dirty oil cause those symptoms?
Not everyone has an extra $75+ to just throw around. It's not fair to advise someone to go spend $75+ on new parts that he just replaced unless you really think those parts are the heart of the problem.
Please don't reply by saying the parts you recommended are "higher quality." The parts he bought would have to be totally defective to cause any serious power loss (and even then, the power loss would not occur only at low RPMs).
Ooo sorry I want him to have the right parts in his car. You'd be suprised what bad spark plugs/wires can do (hhm they do ignite the gas). No dirty oil wouldn't be the problem BUT, I was saying use 5w-30 and motorcraft filter, not rush out and do it, but just the next time he changes the oil. If he has been using any other viscosity than 5w-30, I wouldn't be surprised if that's why the VCT is messed up.
It's OK if you want to use inferior parts, but please don't get offended when I SUGGEST that somebody use the right stuff, not just to help with a current problem but to help the longevity of the vehicle.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Originally posted by SteveCEG:
Yip, you are right, code 1380 is electrical to the VCT. Try a quick check of the electrical contacts on the VCT (there are two of them). You should be getting somewhere between 3 and 6 ohm. If it is higher (the one I replaced on mine was showing 9K), the VCT solenoid is shot.
If the VCT resistance is OK, you might want to try a flush, and an oil change.
Let me know how it goes.
I know this might sound stupid, but if it's an electrical how do I fix it? I noticed that the wire for my VCT plug is compleately stripped, cna I buy a new cord from the dealership or should I try to find one off a wreck tour and splice them together? Any help would be greatly appreciated  .
Aaron
AKA NVS SVT
98.5 Silver/Blue SVT#4553
Yeah it's modded
98 T-Red/Blue SVT Contour Totaled 06/05/06
03 3L,VCN 2000,CAT Cams,MSDS Headers w/Y-Pipe,XCal2 and lots more
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Posts: 17,248
CEG road warrior
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CEG road warrior
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So does anybody know how to replace the VCT? I am still throwing a code for the VCT and I think I messed it up when I installed the cam gear. I got to get me one because emmisions is coming up fast...... 
Hector
2003 Rally Red Mitsubishi Evolution VIII
257HP/259TQ
2005 Lapis Blue Mazda 6s
RET: 00 Cabernet Red Ford Contour Zetec ATX SUPERCHARGED
160HP/141TQ
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
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Yes, buy a pre98 valve cover, exhaust cam, EGR system, and computer. 
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Originally posted by LoCoZ:
So does anybody know how to replace the VCT? I am still throwing a code for the VCT and I think I messed it up when I installed the cam gear. I got to get me one because emmisions is coming up fast......
I was told I had to pull the cam out and relace the solinoid since it sits on the cam. This is what the dealership told me but I can't justify spending $600+ on this motor when I can pay $650 and get friends motor out his ZX3 Focus.
Aaron
AKA NVS SVT
98.5 Silver/Blue SVT#4553
Yeah it's modded
98 T-Red/Blue SVT Contour Totaled 06/05/06
03 3L,VCN 2000,CAT Cams,MSDS Headers w/Y-Pipe,XCal2 and lots more
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