Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting idel problem

my car won't idel. I start it by giving it gas and holding it and then when i let the gas pedal go it shuts off. i have to hold it for a little in order for it to stay ideling. Is this the idel throttle position switch/valve?

Have you checked the IAC valve, clean it and see if it helps, otherwise maybe it needs a tune up, miles?

Do you have a CEL (check engine light)?

Some causes of idle problems are a bad IAC (idle air control) valve, bad O2 sensors, gunked up throttle body, or vacuum leak.

Also, since I see that you are in Chicago, cold weather sometimes effects the condensation level of gasoline. You might want to put a bottle of HEET (or something similar) in your gas to dry it up from any condensation.

If it will run from holding the throttle slightly open but dies or will not start with your foot off the throttle, It is almost for sure the IAC. When it is acting up, try giving the IAC a rap with the handle of a screwdriver. Give it a smart whack, but not hard enough to dent or break the housing. If the problem goes away after the whack, you should try cleaning the IAC. If cleaning doesn't help, you will need to replace it.

Dude I own A 2000 Contour SVT and I love the car but the idel problem has just infected my car. My car has 97,700 miles on it and I have heard of this type of problem being related to the cams in the Duratech motors. And I was getting scared that that was the problem. My first thought was the IAC but I have not had time to check it out yet. This shines some light on my car trouble. Thanks

Do you have a K&N filter in there? My car did this for a while. I had the IAC valve replaced and it still did it. Finally Lee Cox told me to check my K&N filter and see if it was over oiled. Sure enough it was. Sometimes they seem to come that way from the factory. I ended up have to take it out and clean it and all the parts around it. Problem Solved! Not sure if this is your problem, but it wouldn't hurt to check!

I had the same problem show up when it got s-o-o-o-o cold here. Checked/cleaned IAC, IAT sensor, ECT sensor EGR solenoid and valve -still problem. Finally bit the bullet and removed upper intake manifold -- the gasket was completely crap! Replaced Gasket(s) -$22 each from dealer here in Canada, and purrs like a kitten again. Try squirting a LITTLE wd40 or similar around UIM/LIM gasket area. If they're leaking, it may temporarily seal them up and smooth out idle. Only temp though, replace em ASAP. Good Luck!