1995 Ford Contour rough idle, dies under load

RODOH1973

MEMBER
1995 FORD CONTOUR
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
126,000 MILES

The car has a rough idle and you can rev it up to the moon but when you release the clutch it acts like its running out of gas. When it warms COMPLETELY it runs FINE but still idles very roughly. It has new fuel filter, plugs wires, throttle position sensor and I got a MAP sensor from the wrecking yard, and have replaced or checked all vacuum lines. I don't have ready access to a scanner or volt meter. Any suggestions would come in handy as I am running out of hair and money.

5 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Autozone and most major parts stores will scan your computer for free. Any stored codes in the ECM could really help narrow your problem down. My first thought is the ECM isn't adjusting the ignition timing to handle load. We could start guessing, but guessing can get expensive. Please advise.

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Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 10:42 PM

RODOH1973

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5 POSTS

Autozone only has a scanner for 1996 and up. I'll check Oreilly's Auto.

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+1

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 11:21 PM

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

OK, let me know what you find.

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Friday, January 2nd, 2009 AT 11:03 AM

RODOH1973

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5 POSTS

The insulation had deteriated on the tempereture sensor and was shorting out, giving the wrong message to everything. Even the check engine light went out and it runs good cold! Still has a rough idle but I can live with that till later.
THANKS
Doug

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Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 9:38 PM

JAMES W.