Jimmer, I also suspect a vac leak.
Check the condition of the rigid tubing that runs across the top of the manifold & the elbow connectors at the end. Make sure they're in good shape. Find any cracks, then replace or otherwise repair.
Under the upper intake manifold, just behind the throttle body, you will find a nipple pointing straight down to the engine. There should be a rubber hose connected to it. Make sure it is in place. It fit rather loosely on my first Contour.
Check the hoses that attach to the accordian tube of your intake assembly. The one at the front of the car runs past the water pump pully & belt. Check it for damage/cracks. You'll need to remove the front plastic cover for full inspection of the hose, but that is 3 bolts & easy to do. Follow & inspect the other hoses carefully also.
There are also several rigid vac tubes located near the fire wall. If the other intake hoses are OK, take a look at these to make sure they're in good shape.
Finally, one thing that has been common when the weather turns cold... The intake manifold gaskets start leaking as the aluminum manifolds contract a bit more. Snug them down a bit, but be CAREFUL. They are anchored in aluminum - don't strip them babies!
All I can think of for now...
Also, in future, if you want to test if your MAF is faulty, simply unplug it. If the car suddenly runs smoothly, your MAF was at fault. If the car still runs like crap, the problem is elsewhere most likely.
Last edited by TourDeForce; 12/08/05 04:29 PM.
