1997 Ford Contour Brakes Fail in Cold

1997 FORD CONTOUR
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1997 Contour with 109000 miles. Twice after sitting outside in bitter cold (subzero) the brakes will not work for 10 minutes or so until the car has warmed up. We usually keep it garaged however on occasion it is left out durring the day while at work.
Feb 5, 2007 at 11:47 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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More specific please.

NO brakes what so ever? Details will help.
Feb 5, 2007 at 12:56 PM
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Car sits outside durring the day for around 8 hours (subzero temps). Go to leave and car's brakes will not work whatsoever push on the peddle nothing happens. There has been no indications of brake pads going bad, screeching whining etc. After you let the car warm up roughly 10-15 minutes the brakes will work as normal.
Feb 8, 2007 at 12:29 PM
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I would be suspicious of a weak vacuum condition, There is a TSB on the contours for a weak vacuum in cold conditions of degress less than -18 C or 0 F. Depending on production date it calls for replacing the IAC motor and reprogramming the pcm for both years and the earlier one an intake manifold gasket.

Reference #'s

97-4-1

97-8-4
Feb 8, 2007 at 7:11 PM
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is there an easy way for me to find out if my car falls under the recall?
Feb 9, 2007 at 12:00 AM
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YES, very easy!! No it doesn't it is not a recall.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_unhappy1_1.jpg

For that matter i can't make any assurances this is the case....I don't have the car, not the real experience,


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_shock_2.jpg

But helping as best I can over the net.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_bigsmilereptile_4.jpg

Feb 9, 2007 at 12:31 PM

Suggested Repair

Suspect a weak vacuum condition in extreme cold. Check Ford TSBs 97-4-1 and 97-8-4, which may call for replacing the IAC motor, reprogramming the PCM, and, on earlier production, replacing the intake manifold gasket. This is not a recall, and the diagnosis is not confirmed without inspecting the vehicle.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Ford Contour with 109,000 miles has no brake response for about 10-15 minutes after sitting in subzero temperatures, then the brakes work normally once the car warms up. The expert suspects a weak vacuum condition and cites TSBs covering IAC motor replacement, PCM reprogramming, and an intake manifold gasket on earlier production. The expert clarifies this is not a recall and cannot confirm the cause remotely.

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