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I have a 96 2.5L GL automatic. In this cold weather (northeast) the car starts right off. Stalls in 3 seconds. I can keep it running with a lot of throttle, above 2500. Even at this rpm the engine wavers (looses 500 rpm and back) about every 5 seconds. The engine absolutely won't idle. It is probably about 6 starts before it will keep running with my foot on the throttle (2000rpm). Now, as the car warms up it will run and gets better. After 15 minutes the car runs perfect. The colder the weather the worse the problem.

I've read a few forums. All of my wiring harness insulation looks good. I'm not sure of the IAC, but this problem is even with throttle. I've only had the car 6 months, so I don't know any history. Anyone have any ideas?

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Welcome to CEG!

IAC will cause stalling, but usually not idle fluctuations.
I would be looking for vacuum leaks, at the PCV to intake hose or the UIM gaskets.


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i just replaced the iac in my 99 sport 5 speed. it waz doin the same thing then started throwin codes replaced sencor and it stopd starts up every time .. i am alos form the north east butler pa


G/f's black 99se sport 5 speed 2 1/2 test pipe-custom cat back 3 single tip cai with kn3530 safc optimized tb 8mm plug wires spec stage 1 clutch svt front bumper
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I've ordered an IAC (From auto parts store, not Ford dealer). Should have it Tuesday 1/27. Oh No! I noticed a 1/4" length of wire with insulation flaked off. It is in a heavy #6 wire in the wiring harness coming out from under the UIM on the passenger side. What a sick feeling. Before I worry about the wiring, I'll try the new IAC first. Thanks for the advice. I still need to spend more time checking for vacuum leaks.

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This sounds exactly like what I have been going though for the last couple of weeks. At first the symtoms (rough idle) were mild. When it got real cold (-4) it started and died just like you described. I waited for the weather to warm up a bit and replaced the IAC. Great, thought I fixed it. Then it got real cold (-10) again. Same problem, would not idle. When the car warmed up it got better, it would run fine on the highway but idle was rough when stopped. This morning it was cold (+2)and the idle was terrible. As you described, I could keep it running with the throttle. Up to this point I got no useful codes. I did get P0171,P0174, which I thought was significant, but I could not find any vacuum leak, and besides, it runs perfect when the air temp warms up a bit, say into the the 20's. Anyway this morning I got a P0300, (random misfire). I now think it is has to be plugs/wires. My thinking is this. When the air is very cold it is very dense and it it harder for the plug to fire. Because of the closed loop idle control, the computer will do anything it can to idle at 750. It will open the IAC until the plug or (plugs) "fire" This is what causes the rev surges and cycling you describe.
I am going to do my plugs and wires as soon as I can and will report back.


Scott Waltham, MA 1996 GL V6 ATX
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Do you have the Throttle hang mod done to your car?


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I recall posts about tightening the UIM bolts to cure a seemingly undetectable air leak. When it gets cold, the aluminum is contracted & expands as the engine warms. I wonder if these symptoms will go away if the UIM bolts are properly torqued when its cold outside.....

You gotta admit, that's a bunch of aluminum - UIM, LIM, block.


Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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WOW! "XR4ti" described my problem better than I did. I'm hoping someone has already had and figured out this problem. My IAC came in (It was the wrong part), had to reorder. While I'm waiting, I'll try torqing the UIM. "Myfastse" asked if I had done the THROTTLE HANG MOD. What is that? By the way is there a list of Contour Recalls on this website? Thanks, guys, for everything so far

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sounds like the UIM gaskets, theres a how-to on the main page that tells you how to change them


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As someone mentioned before, try the throttle hang fix listed in the common problems area (in addition to IAC replacement if neccessary). I used a C clamp and tightend it slowly over the IAC hose as someone mentioned to me. That took care of my fog horn noises and more important in your case, the stalling I was incurring in cold wearther stopped as well...............


2000 Contour SE Sport V6 Duratech Alpine MP3 CD Head unit 20% tint AEM Short Ram Intake
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