Finally got the Contour back

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

I believe this is my second post in this Forum. My wife had a 1996 Ford Contour that she bought brand new. We sold it to a friend of mine in 2004. He in turn sold it to another friend in 2005, then it got sold to another friend ! Now it came a full circle back to me. All these friends were in need of car and the Contour did a great job - ofcourse, it is now very tired.
Right now, it is at the Ford garage getting the flywheel replaced. Next, I need to pull some codes and see what's making the CEL stay on - guessing it is cat converter. If main cat converter is gone, is there any fix other than to replace it? Giving sucky gas mileage right now - but I see a lot of starting points in this forum and so will start checking on those.
Anyway, wanted to give you guys an update on the car.

Originally posted by Nayan:
it is at the Ford garage getting the flywheel replaced.

Since when do auto's have a flywheel? Do you mean flexplate?

Originally posted by Nayan:
... I need to pull some codes and see what's making the CEL stay on - guessing it is cat converter. If main cat converter is gone, is there any fix other than to replace it? ..

Pull the codes first. Main cat is not monitored. Should not have any codes relating to that.

If precats are shot, altenatives are mileliminators for lower O2 sensors ($30) or new precats (maybe $1500).

Get the codes first and post.

Originally posted by Tony2005:

Originally posted by Nayan:
... I need to pull some codes and see what's making the CEL stay on - guessing it is cat converter. If main cat converter is gone, is there any fix other than to replace it? ..

Pull the codes first. Main cat is not monitored. Should not have any codes relating to that.

If precats are shot, altenatives are mileliminators for lower O2 sensors ($30) or new precats (maybe $1500).

Get the codes first and post.

gut them precats

Originally posted by AliasJerkâ�??¢:

Originally posted by Tony2005:

Originally posted by Nayan:
... I need to pull some codes and see what's making the CEL stay on - guessing it is cat converter. If main cat converter is gone, is there any fix other than to replace it? ..

Pull the codes first. Main cat is not monitored. Should not have any codes relating to that.

If precats are shot, altenatives are mileliminators for lower O2 sensors ($30) or new precats (maybe $1500).

Get the codes first and post.

gut them precats

Either on car, or buy modded ones from a member for under $100.

Man that car has been around the block!

Sweet story on how the contique came back to the first owner.

i can do a cafax for you just to see how much of a whore that car is!

I meant the flexplate. Saw that it got tooth grounded off due when replacing the starter.

I will pull cats once I get the car back from the dealer, who is putting the new flexplate.

What is this milelimniator? Can anyone throw some light?

search google for it...

it eliminates bad o2 sensor readings on aftermarket exhaust systems.

Originally posted by JeSiZZle:
search google for it...

it eliminates bad o2 sensor readings on aftermarket exhaust systems.

not exactly

a mil eliminator will eliminate the pre cat codes, which on the contour are P0420 and P0430. you will still get O2 and cat monitoring codes and there for still need working sensors with mil eliminators

To clarify,

With aftermarket exhaust systems.....

Originally posted by BrApple-SeVT:
... you will still get O2 and cat monitoring codes and there for still need working sensors with mil eliminators

Originally posted by jtour:
Man that car has been around the block!

Sweet story on how the contique came back to the first owner.

That's pretty cool that you now have the car back.

Welcome Nayan.

Yes, glad to have the car back.

One other question - maybe a dumb one - how necessary is to have a lift to work on this car? It kind of scares me a little seeing everything packed so tight. I am used to working on old cars and pickup truck, which have a lot of space to work.

Most of us don't have access to a lift. Ramps or jack stands.