|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593 |
So, my care hasn't started in 5 or 6 weeks. Won't start, won't crank. I can make the new starter crank by directly applying juice... I worked on it myself for basically a month, and with the help of the New England crew, made a good run at troubleshooting and repairing it. But it was unsuccessful. I replaced the starter, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, both clutch switches, and other stuff I forget.
I paid to tow it to a garage we know. They traced wires and tested... No luck. They said it must be PATS related.
They then towed it a few miles down the road to a Ford dealer. They have had the car for over a week. They couldn't establish any connection with the PCU so ordered one. They ordered the wrong one so that took a week. The tech that is working on it is an older experienced guy. He has replaced many Contours wiring harnesses. He brought to their attention that if they just popped a new PCU in it might also fry, depending on why the first one went.
He spent an hour ($80) today checking wires and is pretty confident that the problem is not the harness. He is going to put the computer in and see what it can tell him.
Computer and labor is going to be about $800 plus the hour or so today. So we now owe them about $900, and we still don't know what is actually wrong.
If it comes up as anything expensive, we are done. We will cut our losses. We will know tomorrow afternoon.
So, long story... What do I do with my Contour? Part it out? ebay? Classifieds? Is there anything worth the trouble? It does have 120k miles. Body is good, no rust. Paint not great. Interior OK, 8 years old. Motor ran fine 6 weeks ago.
Do I just sell it on the side of the road, and make sure they know it won't start... Would that even be worth the trouble? Donate it to some charity? Is it worth towing it back home (more $$) and slowly messing with it? I have no idea what is wrong or where to start now.
I can't afford a replacement car right now. Maybe I can borrow something in the family or something.
This just sucks. Any ideas? IF this is the case (and pretty sure it will be) what do I do with my car. I love that car. We've owned it since it was new, July 1998.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117
Hard-core CEG'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117 |
Originally posted by Bicycle commuter  :
This just sucks. Any ideas?
Check your screen name & get out the Gatorade.
The symptoms you describe would lead me to the mega-fuse. Have you checked/replaced that?
You getting any lights, bells, or anything when you open the car? Turn the ignition key? Any dash lights? If lights come on, what happens to the dash lights when you turn the key?
Also, I had some difficulty with the battery ground cable in my '99 Contour Duratec. Once I replaced that cable the thing ran like a champ. Seems the connector itself at the engine ground was poorly secured to the cable & corroded over time. Torquing down the nut at the block ground didn't help because the connection at the cable was faulty, not the connection at the block. (Hope I explained that clearly ...)
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593 |
Originally posted by TourDeForce:
Originally posted by Bicycle commuter :
This just sucks. Any ideas?
Check your screen name & get out the Gatorade.
The symptoms you describe would lead me to the mega-fuse. Have you checked/replaced that?
You getting any lights, bells, or anything when you open the car? Turn the ignition key? Any dash lights? If lights come on, what happens to the dash lights when you turn the key?
Also, I had some difficulty with the battery ground cable in my '99 Contour Duratec. Once I replaced that cable the thing ran like a champ. Seems the connector itself at the engine ground was poorly secured to the cable & corroded over time. Torquing down the nut at the block ground didn't help because the connection at the cable was faulty, not the connection at the block. (Hope I explained that clearly ...)
I've been doing the Gatorade thing at least 2 days a week for 5 weeks now.
Dashlights all turn on with in. Don't change when turn the key. I have been troubleshooting it for over a month. I'm not sure about Megafuse, I'll ask them to check it. And battery ground cable, that I think I took off hit it with a wire brush, diaelectric greased it and replaced.
The good people of the NECEG had me testing everything.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593 |
So I'm done.
New PCM went in, give the error code of PCM no communication to E4, which we were told is the wiring harness. They are saying $800 for the PCM (which is fried) $1100 for harness and $600+ for harness labor. New PCM has been taken out and returned.
I don't want to be but I am done with our Contour. I can't afford that amount to fix it, and I am just sick of not having a car. I'm not sure, and really don't have anymore time to try and fix it myself. Even though saying that MAKES ME SICK.
Anyone know a place that has OK used, CHEAP cars? haha
PM with an offer if anyone wants it.
It's a 1998 V6 MTX. It has about 120,XXX miles. It was running fine prior to this electrical problems. It is probably due for the UIM/ LIM teardown and clean.
It has a new starter, new Camshaft sensor, new crankshaft sensor, new R16 relay. Others...
It is in North Attleboro, MA near Pride Ford. It would have to be towed to you. I do have the title and 2 keys, but cannot afford to waste anymore $$ towing it places.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,037
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,037 |
Originally posted by Bicycle commuter :
So I'm done.
New PCM went in, give the error code of PCM no communication to E4, which we were told is the wiring harness. They are saying $800 for the PCM (which is fried) $1100 for harness and $600+ for harness labor. New PCM has been taken out and returned.
I wonder if your harness insulation is chewed up. You could have one of the '98s that got stuck with a holdover bad-insulation harness from the pre-98 years.
"Think of it, if you like, as a librarian with a G-string under the tweed." Clarkson on the Mondeo.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593 |
Originally posted by Jeb Hoge:
Originally posted by Bicycle commuter :
So I'm done.
New PCM went in, give the error code of PCM no communication to E4, which we were told is the wiring harness. They are saying $800 for the PCM (which is fried) $1100 for harness and $600+ for harness labor. New PCM has been taken out and returned.
I wonder if your harness insulation is chewed up. You could have one of the '98s that got stuck with a holdover bad-insulation harness from the pre-98 years.
I guess. My date is 4/98.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 322
CEG\'er
|
|
CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 322 |
Don't know if you're looking for another Contour, but if you are, shoot me a PM. It does indeed suck when the car you've had for so long decides to throw a hissy-fit. I've certainly become attached to mine after 6 years!
Good luck man.
-Chris
2000 SE Sport V6 5spd
(all stock except for EO brakes)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,882
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,882 |
That really sucks man. Sorry to hear about the trouble you're having. If I were closer, I'd definitely take it off your hands. Good luck finding a new ride.
BrApple-its all in the way it is presented...but everythign on my resume is all me
TexasRealtor-I hope you spelling improves on your resume.
MxRacer-ladies and gentlemen, welcome to ironyville. population, texasrelator.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 285
CEG\'er
|
|
CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 285 |
Sorry about your car. I sent you a PM.
Al
Parting out 95-97 Contours/Mystiques. Contact me directly at ALFIGOLS@yahoo.com if you're looking for a particular part.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,593 |
If anyone wants to make me an offer, feel free to PM me.
See my cardomain page (link below) for some photos. I will be keeping the wheels (a family member wants them), roof rack system, silly air horn and headunit, but that stuff might be negotiable. I do have the stock 14 inch wheels and wheel covers that came with the car (minus one cover) and they have tires with a decent amount of tread left.
Thanks to everyone for all of their help and suggestions. I'm just done with the car, fixing it is over my head and I can't afford to have a Pro fix it.
It does have a new starter, new crank and camshaft sensors, new clutch switches (both), R16 relay, new front and rear stock roll resistors, an SVT grill (painted silver) and lower front grill mesh (silver gutter guard). New TPS and brake booster vacuum hose. Pre 98 sail panels, the nice chrome antenna surround with a shorty billet antenna. Red Ford logos front and rear, red painted calipers (4 wheel disc brakes), new rotors and pads on the rear (a couple months old). Foglights (I added over the winter). New SVT center console (painted Black) with leather boots.
It will need a computer and the wiring problem researched and fixed. You will need to tow it from North Attleboro, MA.
I will throw in a set of brand new in the box Duralast brake pads for the front, and a stock Contour spoiler that I hadn't mounted yet. It is already painted black, but needs some paintwork. I have the original owner's manual, window sticker etc. This is a one owner car, but does have 120,000 miles on it.
EDIT- I just remembered I dropped my cardomain link from my signature: CarDomain
Last edited by Bicycle commuter :(; 05/23/06 04:48 PM.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
|
|
|
|
|
