Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Cold drivability problem

Hi, all:

1995 Mystique 2.5/stick.

Until temp gage starts to move, the car seriously is hard to drive. Sputters/misses, bucks, etc. Until
tach is over ~2500 rpm. then ok.

As the engine warms up, it gets better and better, and at near warm, all runs well.

I've had a couple independant "mechanics" look at it, basically all they can say is "the computer says
nothing is wrong". I'm afraid of the dealer, it took 'em 3 weeks to find bad plug wires a few years ago.

Looking for any ideas.

jay

Could be an A/F ratio problem. Maybe the CTS is no good.

I agree it could be Air/Fuel ratio. It feels very lean on cold start. Shouldn't I get a code for
a bad CTS?

It might be your MAF (mass air flow) sensor is covered with dust or something else. You can clean it by blowing pressurized air over it (from an air can).

I've been getting the same problem.

Terry Haines suggested changing the fuel filter, which I did. I also ran a can of Berryman's fuel cleaner. The problem isn't as bad as it was, but it's still there.

Terry, (assuming you read this) any other suggestions?

-Chris

Hm, possible, I guess. Would that explain why it runs just fine after warmup? Car is at dealer's
right now, getting the Cooling Fan recall done . . .

If they don't find the problem, I'll start looking. If they do, I'll report back.

jay


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1995 Mystique ls 2.5
5-speed
stock (Haven't had time to do anything interesting)

Hm. Replacing the fuel filter and air filter made no difference. Ditto cleaning stuff in the tank
for several tanks on mine.

jay

Sounds like it could be related to the Idle Air Control valve. Might want to check the hoses and the valve itself. There is a bench test the valve which is worth checking because the part is about $60 or so IIRC.

Have you checked the vacuum actuator for the secondary intake valves ?
It sounds like it might be stuck in the OPEN position.

Well, the dealer claims that both the IAC and MAF were bad. They've replaced 'em both. I'll know
if it worked later today, when I start it up . . .