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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2003
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Hi all,
I've had my 98.5 Ford Contour SE (2.5L Duratec) for a little over a year now and so far it's been a sweet little car--I love it. About three weeks ago, though, the engine started running rough and I noticed a little knock--both started happening out of the blue. The CEL flashed on a few separate occassions, but always went out after a few seconds.
Got it into the dealership today for what I thought was a "proactive" step.... They charged $100 for diagnostics, gave no codes and told me that there was a knock in the bottom and top, and recommended REPLACING the engine. The technician said it sounded as though one of the pistons had "gone through." I'll admit that I'm a novice when it comes to auto mechanics, but I get the feeling the dealership's trying to pull a fast one. The car just hit 25,000 miles--I got it with 12,000. Doesn't seem like it should need a new engine yet, and from what I understand, I'd have much worse symptoms if a piston was shot (no obvious power loss--just sounds rough). I asked for the diagnostics results when I picked it up, but they kind of gave me the run around about it. Engine light is on full time now, to boot.
I've been combing through the forums trying to find another incidence of something similar and realize I need to get the codes, whether I have to pry them out of Ford or take it to Autozone, but I'm really curious if anyone else out there has had to replace this engine with such low mileage. Any thoughts?
As an aside, just want to give kudos for the site.... I've checked it out several times since I got my SE and it's good to know I'm not the only one who's wild about the contour. Thanks!
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,359
Webmaster
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Webmaster
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,359 |
We'll need the codes to really help out much. A knock on these engines rarely means something good or cheap.
-Lance
Lance Kinley
CEG Webmaster
95 SE, "Cassandra"
10 years!
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 257
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 257 |
so what exactly do the "codes" provide for diagnosing problems.....since I have NOOOOOO idea 
99' Contour SVT Amazon Green
#299 of 2,670
"Maggie"
Many mods on the future "to-do" list
marines puttin me on hold.....go figure
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 390
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 390 |
welcome. I have a knock, so I'm replacing the engine It all depends on what the knock is from though. The SVT main bearings have been known to be the weak point, and that is what failed on mine (with help from low oil pressure)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,044
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,044 |
Originally posted by rockSVT:
so what exactly do the "codes" provide for diagnosing problems.....since I have NOOOOOO idea
The codes come from the diagnostic computer. You can get the codes scanned at many auto parts stores for free. If you write down the numbers and post them here someone will be able to give you advice on the cause(s), how to repair, and cost. The knock part does sound scarry though...  Duratecs are normally pretty quiet running. You can check the meaning of the different codes out here
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429 |
The OBD-II code should be stored in the memory (history) of the computer.
Was the oil level OK? Unless you are really hotrodding the engine, I can't see you spinning the main bearings.
With only 24K, shouldn't the warranty cover any problems?
Dan B.
96 SE 2.5 auto
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,454
Learned patience the hard way
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Learned patience the hard way
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,454 |
FYI, I did have a rod break in an SVT motor at 21K so it's not completely unheard of to have the engine break down at this mileage but it is highly unusual.
Rick
Owner of 00 #1611 Silver (Totalled) 98.5 T-Red SVT #6180
Buckshot77@msn.com
Misc 3L parts for sale
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2003
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Not sure about the oil level. I think it was fine--at least, no problems had come to my attention. As for warranty, it only had a 3-year bumper-to-bumper, which I'm a couple years out of now.
Found out that the code is P0302--Misfire detected in cylinder 2. The mechanic said he also did a manual cylinder balance check with no result. We're going to check cables and plugs next... Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Jenna
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429 |
Sounds like you are on the right track. Possibly a bad plug or wire. I suggest you check the plugs when engine is cold. This is best procedure on cars with aluminum heads.
Let us know...good luck!
Dan B.
96 SE 2.5 auto
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,603
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,603 |
Originally posted by jenna:
Found out that the code is P0302--Misfire detected in cylinder 2. The mechanic said he also did a manual cylinder balance check with no result. We're going to check cables and plugs next... Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Jenna
Jenna,
I had the same problem with my Tour when it was at that same mileage.
2 plugs and 2 ignition wires later, it was gone.
A manual cylinder balance check is used to check the pressure within each cylinder.
If the pressure is low in a particular cylinder, when that cylinder is tested,
it causes the engine to respond differently, then when the rest of the cylinders are tested.
Since this test was done with no results, all of your cylinders are fine,
and the pressures should be pretty much equal, which is what it should be for a normal engine.
If you know someone who is handy with cars, ask them if they would mind looking at your spark plugs for you.
They should all, pretty much look the same.
There are times when the ceramic shield that covers the center electrode of the spark plug,
cracks and falls to the ground electrode, and basically shields the spark from the rest of the combustion area.
This is the main cause of spark plug related misfires.
It may be a really inexpensive way to determine if this is what has happened.
A new set of Spark Plugs are also inexpensive, and replacing them may just get rid of your misfire.
Let us know what you find !
Pete...
2004 Mercury Marauder 300A
Black Clearcoat/Dark Charcoal LEATHER
DOB 10/31/2003
DOP 1/2/2004
www.mercurymarauder.net
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