Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting little rough after oil change v6 95 contour

I had an oil change done this last weekend and while driving to work Monday I noticed the car was running a little rough. Most people would probably not notice it, but i'm quite sensitive to the cars performance. It is especially noticeable when you let go of the gas and cruise. The car slows faster when you let foot off the gas in gear. It is ok when you accelerate. I realize that this is probably no way related to oil change but maybe the mechanic was tinkering with something while checking the fluids, etc. Also, i just filled up my tank of gas right before taking it threre so maybe gas quality can be at fault? I would also assume this is an electrical problem. During the oil change, I mentioned to the mechanic I may need my timing belt changed and he said that it has a chain not a belt. I'd appreciate any advice as to what can be causing it. Thanks.

It's not related to an oil change unless they didn't put any in.

Welcome . Make sure the engine oil level is at the max line. If it is an automatic, make sure tranny fluid is correct and not overfilled. Air filter housing might not be put back correctly. Many mechanics have a hard time putting our air filter housing back correctly. And if you suspect bad gas, put in a bottle of gas stablizer. Is the Check Engine light on?

Edit. Why did you think you needed to do something to the timing (belt) chain? How many miles on the car?

The engine oil is fine, i double checked on that. They charged me more because they had to add an extra quart. The car has over 160K I bought it a couple years ago and have basically just changed oil but no tune up. It runs great very reliable but of course as soon as I take it for even an oil change something is off. The reason I inquired about timing belt is because I never had it changed and I don't know if the owner before me did recently or not. Is it true that the V6 contours have timing chains? I thought those are only on more expensive luxury cars. It would be very coincidental if it was the gas quality but I have one of those additives at home so I will try it. Any other suggestion for the missing/ running slightly rough especially when foot off the gas cruising? I also double checked the air filter but i remember ironically that when I changed it last time the car ran worse then before i changed it (but it just seemed slower not running rough). Thanks for any input or suggestions.

Yes to timing chain on V6. Maybe it is just time for a "tune up". Plugs, spark plug wires, fuel fiter.

Edit. And what gave you the idea that the V6 Contour is not an expensive luxury car?

I think you may be right about time for a tune up. Ok this may be a dumb question but do you need to adjust timing on a timing chain? If i change the plug wires, it probably wouldn't hurt to change the distributor cap right?
I will refer to it as luxury car from now on, haha. All i need is leather seats and naviagtion system added.

" do you need to adjust timing on a timing chain?"
No. It should not have "jumped"

"If i change the plug wires, it probably wouldn't hurt to change the distributor cap right?"
Yes, to the coil pack (Contours do not have distributors)

Thanks for your help Tony. Last question, do you recommend buying original Ford parts or after market (kragen or autozone)? This goes for wires and other parts like the coil cap or whatever its called. I read some people prefer after market wires like Magnecor or Bosch. If i'm going to do it myself I might as well do it right. Thanks.

For plugs, read this and make your own decision. I have Autolites and they are available from your local Autozone. I have not replaced my coil pack yet. Maybe someone else can give a recommendation on that.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=977697&Forum=v6maint&Words=derk&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=2500&Old=allposts&Main=977697&Search=true#Post977697