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Joined: Jan 2003
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OP
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Hello,
My 1998 Contour Zetec has the "bucking" problem. I talked with a friend at work who has a 2000 Contour Zetec. He had the same problem with his car. Ford replaced the Fuel Pump under warranty. That solved his problem. Just a thought...
Chris
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2003
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Before you go through the expense of a fuel pump, check your plug wiring & replace your plugs.
Ken will tell you all about it - All yours Ken.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14
New CEG\'er
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OP
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I did the Plugs and the Wires. Still a Bucking Bronco! Same as before.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,975
Hard-core CEG\'er
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I was in the same situation yesterday. But what was weird was that I was going up the mountains and I couldn't get any speed. Floored in 3rd I was still slowing down while a older Cavalier was catching up. I only had 250 extra pounds with me. Even on the straight aways when I'd accelerate it would try to move but then shrink back and almost wanna slow down. Why is it that when I got back to sea level it picked up? It shouldn't be that bad at 400m elevation. 
1992 Ford Escort LX-E
-Tracer LTS spoiler
-GT Grille
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9
Newbie
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Newbie
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I this problem on my 98 (2.0L Zetec), when I used aftermarket plugs, double platimum Autolites and Bosch. I put in the stock plugs and the problem went away. These cars are VERY sensitive to the wires and plugs used. The stock plugs have a very thin center electrode, unlike the aftermarket plugs. Supposely this enables them to fire with less voltage. Whatever! THEY WORK FLAWLESSLY!
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,196
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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The fuel pump sounds like a good start, but sometimes the cat can get plugged up and it causes the car to "buck", I had this happen to me with a previous car 
"THEE" Roger R
USMondeo@aol.com
2005 Crossfire Limited coupe'
-FOR SALE @buyout price & I'll...
-throw in my 93' Regal as winter car
*Dragon Run 06'...Oct 12-15th*
Puur-fection Auto Detailing
Complete packages from $140.00
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Is bucking also referred to as mashing the pedal and it is struggling to accelerate. Not violently bucking but sorta stutteri  ing?
1992 Ford Escort LX-E
-Tracer LTS spoiler
-GT Grille
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 133
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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Posts: 133 |
Originally posted by unibagel:
Hello,
My 1998 Contour Zetec has the "bucking" problem. I talked with a friend at work who has a 2000 Contour Zetec. He had the same problem with his car. Ford replaced the Fuel Pump under warranty. That solved his problem. Just a thought...
Chris
The Zetec is very, very sensitive to plugs, like others have said here. You must use the low resistance, fine wire Motorcraft plugs, I know from experience that the Autolite double platinums will cause bucking/missing. They aren't cheap from the Ford dealers, maybe someone else will have them but this is what you need. Have you recently had a tune-up or changed plugs ? Try the Motorcrafts, you'll be happy.
Ken, 99 Silver Frost SE Zetec Atx, polished alloys, Kumho's, Pioneer hi power CD/AM/FM. Factory spoiler (added) Audi side lites, Borla stainless steel muff. Stolen, recovered in pieces. Looking for another Tour, preferably V6, 5 speed.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 133
CEG\'er
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Originally posted by Cris'pus:
Is bucking also referred to as mashing the pedal and it is struggling to accelerate. Not violently bucking but sorta stutteri ing?
The bucking caused my the improper plugs doesn't happen at full throttle. Because at WOT there's sufficient spark reaching the plugs, but under light load, or medium load before the tranny shifts, or before you shift there isn't enough spark all the time. It can happen at idle too, especially if the a/c or any other high electrical load accessory is on. Ford requires a fine wire, low resistant plug. I went nuts trying to figure out why my previously, perfect running car was all of a sudden missing and therefore bucking. It takes a few weeks or days sometimes for the problem to show up. When the Autolites are new they're just barely capable of delivering spark. As they wear even a little, or get any amount of carbon it's just enough to cause the Zetec to miss, once in a while. It gets progressively worse but never so bad where it leaves you starnded, but WOW is it annoyning.
Ken, 99 Silver Frost SE Zetec Atx, polished alloys, Kumho's, Pioneer hi power CD/AM/FM. Factory spoiler (added) Audi side lites, Borla stainless steel muff. Stolen, recovered in pieces. Looking for another Tour, preferably V6, 5 speed.
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