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So I've had problems starting back about 2 years when my 99 4cyl 2.0L zetec (5sp manual) Cougar stalled on the highway. The dealer said it jumped timing and replaced the whole timing system. Then when i got it back i was experiencing a lack of power and significant jerking and bucking, so they replaced the variable cam shaft sensor. After dropping about $2k, the jerking and bucking still persists, just not as frequently. I have brought it to numerous mechanics and no one can figure it out. One mecahnic cleaned and checked the varible cam shaft valve, no luck. Replaced air filter, feul filter and put in about every engine/fuel/oil cleaner. Any thoughts??? I need to pass inspectioin this month
Last edited by buzzclip31; 01/04/06 08:12 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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How many miles on the car. Where you the first owner?
"Do what you like, Because you have to drive it!"-Me
99 Contour LX
95 Mustang GT Convertible
97 Z24 Cavalier
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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When was the last time you changed the plugs & wires??
Does it run fine at fill up & only do this when you have 1/2 tank of gas or less?
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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85K on the car, I bought the car with 36K, only one owner before me
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The amount of gas in the tank does not matter. I know there is a recall on the feul pump, but i've called ford and they said my car is not included. I have not changed the plugs/wires. Should probably do that, but none of this started until the car jumped timing and the sensor was replaced.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Originally posted by buzzclip31:
The amount of gas in the tank does not matter. I know there is a recall on the feul pump, but i've called ford and they said my car is not included. I have not changed the plugs/wires. Should probably do that, but none of this started until the car jumped timing and the sensor was replaced.
Recall is secondary. If the pump is failing or filter sock in the tank clogged, you'll get symptoms. As for the plug/wire issues, many things get moved or disturbed (intentionally or otherwise) when work you described is done on the car. It is possible that a plug/wire was not secured or even damaged during the process. I realize you have the Zetec, but on the V-6, it is not uncommon for the wires to be mis-routed. Odd, unexpected things like that can happen under the hood of a car if a mechanic is careless for just one moment. My interest is to get you back on the road, and it only makes sense to try the cheap fixes first.
Based on your descriptions so far, my money is on the plugs/wires. Sounds like a bad misfire. If they're due for replacement anyway, it will cost you nothing extra to get them done now. You can easily do it yourself in less than an hour and save a chunk of change. Enough to buy yourself a Haynes manual so you can double check the plug routing yourself.  Pay particular attention to the brand of plugs & wires because these cars are picky about those. Check the stickies at the top of the Mainenance section & the FAQs on the main site to guide you to the proper equipment & procedures.
Do the symptoms happen in all gears, or in a particular gear at a specific speed range?
I'm sorry your mechanics are playing a guessing game with your money. Bad business practices these days... 
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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I think TourdeForce has it right. Check your coil pack as well. Should get at least 9000 ohms out of it. This sounds like misfiring. Check the plug wires closely for any minute cracks. Same for plugs as well. I has a hairline crack in one plug and it was "carbon arching". My Z-tec ran like crap until this was found. I used a magnifying glass.
Hang in there.
95 Contour GL. Bought new.
BAT Sway Bars/Pioneer CD/Koni Rear Struts/Mobil Fluids.
Looking for 15" alloy rims-PM me.
180,500km's so far.
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Thanks for your help people. I think i finally found a reputable mechanic, my friends have been going to him for 10 years. I will have him check these things out as well as the codes that are stored since the service engine soon light has been on a few times. Will get back when/if we find anything wrong! Thanks again.
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So I got the codes read. It is P1381 which is the variable cam timing is over-advanced. There is a service bulletin out on this, but it does not narrow down the problem. Said it could be camshaft gear or the VCT solenoid and my mechanic said it might even be a computer problem (doubtful) but since its intermitent it is hard to narrow down. Since neither are cheap fixes, anyone have any ideas before i start replacing parts?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Any luck with your problem?? Jeff
Lotus (Caterham) Super Seven, 2.0 Zetec
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