Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting ROUGH IDLE?

Since I bought my SVT, it has had what I consider to be a rough idle. Seems to vibrate the wheel slightly when stopped and I can feel her missing through the floor.

Thing is...
-my lights dim with any type of power drain, especially the pwr windows(window button lights actually go out as the window is fully closed)

Is this the alternator failing to put out as required, or is it something else? The car battery never dies so it's getting a good enough charge there. If it is the alternator, is it difficult to replace?

Thanks...

might be characteristics of the contour, sorry to say. mine does the same kinda stuff. well, i don't know if i would say my steering wheel shakes, but compared to other cars, the idle is a little rough. if i should be concerned about an alternator problem i hope somebody more knowledgeable replies to this topic so I know what to do.

Anybody else have any ideas?

I have a 95 GL with 162K miles that I drove off of the lot new. It started having a rough idle in park at around 80K. I've had a new alternator installed (not for the idle problem) and new plug wires and neither changed a thing as far as the rough idle. I read in this forum that it is a common problem with Contours and especially older ones.
I did replace the spark plug wires at the recommendation of the guy at the oil changing place. He said it would fix the rough idle. NOPE!
I have also heard that there is something in the intake system that could effect it. If you notice, there is a sensor in the hose leading to the big box over the engine intake. It is some sort of air flow metering sensor. I just know that it costs close to $200.00 and unless I am certian it will fix the problem I'm not buying one. Anyone else with any ideas?

Danny Brown
dbbubba@earthlink.net

Autozone said the alternator was fine. SO I guess that was good news, but this leaves me without an answer. So...I felt a little bribe would do her good-oil change(not necessary yet), new wiper blades(lol), and oh yeah, I put some dura-lube fuel injection cleaner in her and wooomph! Does she feel better! (but lets see if it was just the octane booster or were the injectors really dirty?)

There is a current load sensor that should increase the revs to compensate for the extra load from the alternator

Take a look at my web site in the information section. I have a huge section on idle problems Direct link to idle probs
main site link below

After three days and about 100 miles, the idle is 99% better!

If anyone had the same problem as I, then try some good injector cleaner in a tank.

Been there, done that! I put a bottle of Syn. Formula 1 injector fluid in all my cars and never have any lag. Approx. every 4th, 5th tank!

P.S. If its real bad, put full bottle in a half of a tank and drive the car hard. 2nd tank fill with another bottle. 3rd tank:replace fuel filter! 4th, 5th, 6th and even 7th tank enjoy your car and feel proud of the pwwwwwwwwwr!