Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Dangling Electrical Connector?

Hello:

I was looking at a 1999 Mystique LS with V6/5-speed last Sunday at a used car lot, and noticed something that may or may not indicate a problem.

The car is in excellent condition overall. But when I looked underneath from the front of the car, I noticed an electrical
connector hanging down about six inches above the pavement.

Its location was along the centerline of the car, and appears to be just rear of the engine. My concern at the time was that it could snag on debris in the road someday. I was unable to get a clearer view of it, but I doubt it came from the factory this way.

The connector was a typical automotive-type white/blue plastic unit, with about four black wires on each end. The wires were bundled together with the usual black corrogated plastic sleeving leading up to the engine compartment(?) somewhere.

Note the connector was NOT disconnected from itself. Both halves were locked together. The wire/connector assembly looks like a "U" hanging under the car, with the connector at the bottom center of the "U".

1. Do any other V6 5-speed Contique owners see this connector hanging under their cars?

2. Maybe the dangling connector indicates a bad repair job to components in the area?

3. Might it be a poor design by Ford, and/or it merely lost a tie-wrap or some other fastener that's supposed to keep this assembly tied up tight?

I'm interested in buying this car ASAP, but would first like to hear everyone's expert opinions and observations -- thanks!

Hal Lewark

Sounds like maybe it's an o2 sensor? Probably just got banged loose, though on my car, the wiring was tied up so that one loop was rubbing on the half-shaft. It was already worn through the outer sleeve, good thing I caught it.

Last time under my car I noticed a wiring connector in the same area as you mentioned.

I don't know what it's for as yet and cannot understand why Ford put it in such a vulnerable location.

The connector is fastened rather cheaply by one of those underdash type black "push" plugs. Considering its location, I'd say something like a twig pulled it down.

If you are gonna buy the car, I'd take it to a shop myself and check it out. It may be as simple as pushing the little fastener back into its little hole!

Hope that helps...

If it was blue, that is the same thing I had. I had the dealer re-affix it to something. I think it is the vehicle speed sensor or something.