Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Check Engine Light On Again

I took the Tour into the Dealer last week because the Check Engine light was on. They pulled the code and said an intake runner had stuck and caused the code. They said this happens sometimes, and didn't want to do anything about it. I took it home and yesterday the Check engine light came on again. I figure its probably the same thing even though when I called them they said that they thought it could be something else so I needed to have it in for another diagnostic. I'm taking it in tonight for another check (Free of charge cause I complained long enough).

My question in what causes an intake Runner to stick, and what is involved in the repairs? What all needs to be done etc. I would like to know as much as possible since the car is out of warranty, and I'm sure the dealer is gonna try and shaft me if they can.

From the description, it sounds like they are reading an IMRC (intake manifold runner control) fault, but it's hard to say without the actual code. The intake runners basically open up a secondary set of air intake ports above certain engine RPMs (3400-3900) They could be sticking because of carbon or gunk buildup on the lower intake or because on an electrical/mechanical failure of the IMRC actuators and linkage. Carbon or gunk buildup requires cleaning the lower intake manifold. (Which should mean UIM and LIM removal) Not sure on costs and work for replacing the IMRC motor/solenoid as I have the older vaccuum operated IMRC. (Try a search for IMRC in the problems forum.)

Thanks for the Input maybe now that I know what to search on I can educate myself a little better. I will ask them for the actual code when I take the car in. I was planning on Cleaning the Upper and Lower intakes sometime soon. The car has not about 35,000 miles on it right now.

The dealer is trying to blow you off until the warranty is done. NO CEL should come on under normal operation - if one does, it means there is something wrong and it needs to be fixed.

Make sure you save your receipt from when the dealer scanned the code. Even if you go past 36k miles, as long as you had the first problem before the warranty expired, you will still be covered. Go back and tell them to fix it. Every single CEL has a diagnostic subroutine in the service manual, and NONE of them say "Send the customer home and tell them it is normal." If you want, I can look the code up (once you have it) and can tell you exactly where in the service manual the stupid dealer is suppoed to go for instructions. Don't do anything yourself - let them spend their time on it, especially since they are trying to give you poor service.



EDIT - You aren't past the 36 month warranty period are you? If so, then forget the dealer.

i am having the same damn problem on my mystique. i have had this problem on several different occasions. i keep on getting the run around by the dealer. they have given these possible scenarios: spark plug misfires and/or when the car is cold or not warmed up i accelerate too fast which causes the computer to be triggered for check engine light. i have around 65,000 miles and i done all routine maintance and and then some as well as baby the heck out of it and yet i still have this dumb problem. it happened just yesterday and i am going to contact the dealer again... right after i here any suggestions, comments or replys from any of you. thanx

...i keep on getting the run around by the dealer. they have given these possible scenarios: spark plug misfires and/or when the car is cold or not warmed up i accelerate too fast which causes the computer to be triggered for check engine light. i have around 65,000 miles...

- Spark plug misfires usually cause a blinking CEL.

- Accelerating too fast when the engine is cold?? (Total BS- should not cause CEL although not nice to engine in general)

- 65,000 miles is typical for O2 sensor demise.

Please get your diagnostic codes to help diagnose the exact cause. CEL fault codes are described here in the FAQs

Well I heard back from the Dealer today, the error code reported was P1519. My Warrenty is up, but fortunately I bought the extended warrenty when I got the car, and it covers the work. They said they must replace the IMRC unit. While they're in there they are gonna clean the Upper and Lower intake for me so the car should hopefully run good when I get it back. Hopefully they won't screw up the repairs. :rolleyes:

Sounds like you're all set up. Just so you know, more than likely the dealer gets screwed on the labor for warranty work so that probably explains their reluctance to replace the IMRC. Good luck!

Well I just got the car back and everything seems to be working. Cost me $106 to have the IMRC replaced and the Intakes Cleaned. Thank Goodness I bought the Extended Warrenty, so far I've had to have the Third Gear Synchro replaced and the IMRC, that has more than paid for the warrenty.