1998 Ford Contour Check Engine Light

1998 FORD CONTOUR
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SPORTZFREAK212
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
ok i need help knowing where to look and how to fix a problem im having. my check engine light came on and i went to a nearby mineke. they said i need a new bank 1 converter and manifold gasket. i need to check to see if my oxygen sensor is working on my car before i replace these parts. how do i go about doing this? and should i be doing this?
1998 Ford Contour v6 A/T 90,000 mileage
Apr 13, 2006 at 7:52 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Go to a different shop NOT a muffler chain. See a real mechanic and get his opinion--they are trying to hose you. Good luck
Apr 13, 2006 at 11:06 AM
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RMK74
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  • 11 POSTS
I recently read a reply to a question concerning Meineke. The tech suggested the person with the car problem go to a "real" mechanic. I've taken my car to my local Midas recently instead of the Ford dealership 'cause they are obviously less expensive. I just took my 1995 ford taurus (117,000 mi) to Midas to investigate a possible gas leak. The mechanic put the car and couldn't find anything. I also mentioned that my accelerator was sticking and hestitant. He test drove the car and didn't seem to think there was a problem. I think that the leak is internal and mentioned this. He suggested having the fuel sending unit checked. I'm wondering if I should take this guy's word for it or take the car back to the dealership and pay for quality service. What do you think? By the way there are no engine lights coming on.
Apr 22, 2006 at 1:59 PM
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LAIDBLK02
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  • 1 POST
engine light stay on on a 1998 ford contour
Apr 22, 2006 at 6:15 PM
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JMAN1976
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  • 6 POSTS
contours are notorious for fouling out an oxygen sensor, 90% of the time in a contour if the engine lights on, the oxygen sensor is causing it. its located on the front bottom of your engine behind the radiator. its a little hard to get to but not too bad.
Apr 23, 2006 at 1:37 AM
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Suggested Repair

Get a second opinion from an independent mechanic rather than a muffler chain before replacing the bank 1 converter and manifold gasket. On Contours, a check engine light is often caused by a fouled oxygen sensor, located at the front bottom of the engine behind the radiator; verify that sensor and the codes first.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Ford Contour with 90,000 miles had a check engine light and was told by Meineke that the bank 1 converter and manifold gasket needed replacement. They wanted to confirm the oxygen sensor was working before buying those parts. An expert advised leaving the muffler chain and getting an opinion from a real mechanic. Another reply said Contours commonly foul an oxygen sensor, which is often the cause of the light, and described it as being at the front bottom of the engine behind the radiator. A separate comment about a 1995 Taurus and a Midas visit was not about this Contour.

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