Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Major lose of power when air conditioner is on

Good afternoon all,

I have been experiencing major lose of power lately when I turn my air condition on. It seams to be a hit and miss though. Sometimes I have no problems but most of the time I do.

98 Contour sport 4 cylinders with I believe the z-Tec engine?

155,000 KM

Last May I had all my plugs and wires done and the injectors cleaned. I recently had to have my side motor mount replaced and I am not sure how long I drove with it broken. Not sure if this could of caused any problems?

I see in the threads about the secondary not opening but I am not exactly sure what that means? IMRC is mentioned and I am thinking that could be my problem as well?

In the colder weather I was having problems when on the highway and have to slow down. When I step on the gas again the car bucked like a bronking horse. I had to take my foot off the gas slow down a bit then it would go again??

This has not been happening now that it is hot out? Again I am a little puzzled.

I have had no cell lights come on so I am not sure?

Anyone have suggestions it would be greatly appreciated? I have spent too much money on this lately and really don't want to put much more into it. Fortunately it is paid for and I don't want to start paying for another one anytime soon.

Not sure how to help you. I had a '96 a few years ago, and when the AC was on (this was in Hotlanta) it was a gutless wonder. My brother was in town from out of state and drove it and asked me what was wrong, since it had no power.

The bucking problem... is your car and ATX (automatic transmission) ? Sounds like the beginnings of a transmission problem, IMO. How does it shift, a little clunky at times? You might want to check the fluid, maybe change it out.

Good luck. I ended up selling my '96 because of the constant problems with it. We bought it used and were putting big bucks into it before it was even paid for. I think it has been abused/ neglected in a former life.

Good luck. Sounds like you might have multiple problems going on. Good luck !

The secondaries and IMRC are not part of the 4 cylinder engine design. They are used on the V6.

The first two things that come to mind with what you are talking about are poor fuel delivery (plugged filter or weak pump) and possibly a restricted exhaust (the cat in the exhaust manifold is a prime suspect).

Thank you for your suggestions on what it could be.

I had my entire exhaust system replaced about 2 or 3 years ago. Can the cat get plugged up in that short of time?

Not sure if you are familiar with the Canadian Clean Air program but every 2 years we have to get our cars tested?

Mine passed every test with flying colours and I would think that if my cat is clogged then it would not have done so well. Every reading that was taken was almost 0. The car is running very clean but sometimes it does feel rough?

I am going to replace the fuel filter and see if that will help? I have seen many threads say that the fuel pump tends to be an issue?

Has the timing belt been replaced?
Has the PCV valve been replaced?
Has the MAF been cleaned?
Have the plugs and wires been replaced?