Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting LACK OF GO!

I've been having a real bad lag in power under 3,500 RPM's. This has now been followed by a harsh launch from stop. The car is jerking all the time now. This means every time I go. The car runs perfect over 3,500 RPM's and if I keep it rev'd that high it won't have an issue.

Any suggestions? Plugged cat? Trans?

Any CEL codes? IMRC stuck on open? What year and how many miles?

No codes. I'm not sure about the IMRC. It is a 2000 SVT w/94,000 miles on it. I did notice the nice little box fan light came on briefly the other night but hasn't returned.

Excuse the ignorance on this question. What is the hose that runs down from the intake and goes next to the IMRC? Is that part of the IMRC? I've noticed cracking on it and have wondered if this is a contributing factor.

"I did notice the nice little box fan light came on briefly the other night but hasn't returned."
Check coolant strength. In addition, put coolant to half inch above max line.

Actually, now that I re-read your first post, maybe you need to clean the IAC valve as it is hesitating at low rpms.

From Ray's UIM/LIM rebuild with pictures in Duratec Maintnenance FAQ.
"Replacing the IAC gasket:
(From IAC faq)
Over time, the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve becomes sticky due to buildup from the EGR and PCV systems. It can stick partially open such that idle quality is adversely affected, and engine RPM's will not drop below 1500. For a while, blipping the throttle will restore normal idle, but this only works for so long.

The fix is to remove the IAC valve by unbolting the two 8mm bolts that hold it on and disconnected the wiring plug. If you are careful enough, replacement of the gasket will not be necessary. The gasket costs less than US $1.00, so it is no tragedy if you destroy it. Once the valve is off, spray it out with some carb/intake cleaner and make sure any gunky residue is gone. Reattach, and you are done. It is a lot cheaper than a new IAC, which runs around US $70. Note: Ford claims the IAC cannot be cleaned, but this is not true in my experience."

The IAC was replaced about 30,000 miles ago. Plus, the idle is perfect. The car is idling at 1,000 RPM's at start-up and then after driving for awhile and then coming to a stop it is at 750 RPM's.

I had a bad rotten egg smell for awhile and replaced the DPFE. This has helped the smell, but it is seeming to come back. I just cleaned the EGR passages and the throttle body.

I was informed I could have a clogged cat and to do the 02 sensor removal sequence to see if it is.

I have noticed a slight gurgle in the exhaust when parked next to a wall where I can hear reverberated sound. The car really doesn't like to go up any kind of incline either. This seems to exacerbate the situation.