I don't have a diagnostic computer to read the sensors, so I took the car up to Firestone and they checked the thermostat and it is opening/closing properly, the VSS is reading the proper speed, but the ECT is reading they say about 10 degrees below normal but shouldn't be causing a problem. It looks a lot more off than that since the temp gauge usually runs between the "O" & "R", but since last Saturday runs between the lower limit mark and the "N" in Normal on the temp gauge.
Could this be causing rpms to run high in all gears as the PCM adjusts rpms to get the temperature up and return higher readings from the ECT?
They did not find any error codes on the ECC, but that is because I pulled the 3 amp fuse for the ECC error code memory a long time back. This fuse is pulled because one of the three catalytic converters is returning a low voltage although there is nothing wrong with the cat or the sensor. It was constantly switching on the Check Engine Light, so I pulled it to wipe the codes when the car is turned off.
They said they were not sure if the '98 model year takes the square or round ECT and they only have one of them and to bring the car back on Monday morning when their supplier is open.
I read my Chilton�s repair guide on this but since I live in an apt complex this might be difficult to do myself especially if the trans fluid has to be drained and recycled. I'll likely take it back to them Monday unless there is a better alternative for Contour repair in the Metro-Detroit area.
