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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22 |
i own a 98 with 65000 miles. just a couple weeks ago i had a VCT solenoid go bad which ended up costing me over 500.00 to fix. the code i had was P-1381 or it could be a P-1380. either way if you get or had this cod  e you will be spending close to the same amount. with only 60000 miles this is unacceptable. you should not have internal engine failures at that mileage. i had my cel for over a year before it failed. there is no warning it is going to fail it just goes where ever you are at. i sent ford a email about this and i urge all of you to do the same. there email can be found on there web site under the "contact us " section. this part was first installed in 1998 ford vehicles. another "new" idea from ford. do your part to let them know there should be a investigation into this part. thank you
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,788
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,788 |
If you had a CEL for a year and did nothing about it, the result is your own fault.
I certainly won't feel sorry for you.
There have only been a few threads on this forum regarding this DTC. If you want to just blow off steam, go ahead. FWIW, it will be about as effective as pi$$ing into the wind.
Steve
98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car
89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles
94 SHO ATX - 190K
1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K.
ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 24
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 24 |
1998 Contour LX, 2.5L V6
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,408
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,408 |
Originally posted by wakeslayer:
What is a VCT solenoid?
The Variable Cam Timing solenoid is found on newer Zetecs.
The mechanism is known to stick sometimes from varnish buildup. If the soleniod is not burned up, an engine flush can un-stick it.
Keep your oil religiously clean!
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" -George Santayana
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
Originally posted by Rogerm60:
Keep your oil religiously clean!
And use the correct viscosity.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,505
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,505 |
i have a 99 se zetect with vct never had any problems other than the fuel situations i use castrol gtx drive hard never had any problems. i will use some enigine flush nextime before changing the oil
1999 Ford Contour SE Zetec with 137k miles.
AIM Name: ContourAlf
Yahoo IM: Contour_Freak
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,960
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,960 |
I ran my oil for 200k miles, never changed my air filter and ran bosch + 4 plugs. I'm having acceleration problems, I have a cel and my gas mileage is 4 gallons to the mile. These cars suck.
Bless our servicemen & women overseas.
L.Cpl Ian Malone, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, R.I.P.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 851
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 851 |
Originally posted by Rogerm60:
an engine flush
An alternative to an engine flush is to use Shell Rotella Synthetic 5W-40 for a couple thousand miles. It's got extra detergents because it's designed for diesel AND gasoline engines. Wal-mart sells it for around $12 for a 1-gallon jug.
I used the 15W-40 non-synthetic version of Rotella on my 88 Mustang GT and it made a lifter tick go away. But 15W-40 is way too thick for a modern engine, so it'd be best to use the synthetic 5W-40 version.
Since it's oil and not kerosene or whatever these engine flushes use, it won't be as hard on the engine.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,195
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,195 |
This could be your problem: friggin' ford does this stuff all the time [Camshaft Rotational Dampener- Is your camshaft spinning out of control? Most car manufacturers cut costs and avoid installing this important part. Did you know that expensive camshaft could be spinning at speeds of up to 7500rpm - tearing up the inside of your motor? Symptoms maybe vibration at speed, vibration at idle, and loud noises coming from your exhaust. Install KaleCo rotational dampener to eliminate cam spin!  $100 Each $175 Set of 2] They also offer muffler bearings & other hard to find items... Kale Co Auto
1999 Sportage 4x4...don't go there, it was free
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.../_l l__\____\
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=( )_)----( )_)--)_)
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 403
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 403 |
Originally posted by MarkO:
I ran my oil for 200k miles, never changed my air filter and ran bosch + 4 plugs. I'm having acceleration problems, I have a cel and my gas mileage is 4 gallons to the mile. These cars suck.
I hear you... Darn things expect me to put in gas every 300 miles too!
Not to rag on the origional poster, but it seems like the general public doesn't realize that a CEL should be resolved ASAP. One poster on CEG last week wanted to know how to remove the bulb on his CEL. I can hear his thinking now, "That will fix er' for sure!".
People also don't seem to realize components like tires, brakes, exhaust, shocks/struts, etc, are maintenance items. They start spouting off about poor quality when they need a brake job and tires in the same year. Puzzles me, thats for sure.
Last edited by fdunford; 01/20/04 04:59 PM.
96 Sport 2.0L - 190,XXX miles
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