Hi,
1995 Contour 4 cylinder with auto trans.
Had it about 2 years. Car has never idled good but ran perfect at highway speeds where I usually drive so that was okay. Don't use Contour often. Maybe twice a month and do 20-40 mile highway trips with it.
Noticed last month on highway an "apparant" loss of power. It was subtle, but when I pushed on the gas pedal engine did not seem to respond in its normal peppy way. Car still ran smooth and sounded normal. If the power loss problem existed at all, it seemed to go away.
Maybe I would have ignored it totally or not really think much of it, but during the same trip the Check Engine LIght (CEL) came on for maybe 5-8 seconds, but then went off again.
Last night on the highway coming home it happened again. That same "apparent" loss of power even when it downshifted, but then it seemed to kick back in. Like I say, it is subtle. Car does not slow down or miss or stall. Engine light came on and went off about 3 times. Then when I pulled into my driveway the Check Engine Light came on and stayed on.
Does this ring a bell for you experts? Any thoughts or advice? I don't take my cars into the dealer and do my own work. But this "modern" car is new to me. I know there are codes to check, but I have never done that before. It is winter here now and not fun to work outside. Should I park the car and not use it until the problem is resolved?
Thanks much!
