Engine hesitation and transmission not shifting properly

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your answer. I checked the ohm readout on the temperature sensor and it is way off. I notice that the wires to the sensor have crumbling wire protection coating. Can I diy this with new wire?

Hi Joe, you are like my ghost angel. Thank you for the help. As far as the wiring goes, the wires themselves look intact. They are covered with a braided tech flex wrap which I will have to take off to get some shrink wrap around the wires. Do I need to replace the tech flex afterward or will the shrink wrap suffice?

Hi Joe,

I'll take some pics tomorrow and send them off to you from the shop! Again, thank you so much for your help.

I don't think there is going to be room to work around getting the new wire protection on with the braided covering in place but I'll know better tomorrow!

Hi Joe!

Totally depressed! Changed the coolant sensor, wiring rehabilitated - OMG what an ordeal but got it done. Out for a test drive and boom, no change. Runs beautifully until hot then won't upshift after a hill. Can force into 2nd from low but what a mess. I am wondering if it can be as simple as an airlock in the coolant system. When replacing the sensor, I didn't bleed first so was prepared for leaking as I took out the old sensor, nothing. However, the reservoir is full.

I know nothing about car engines so am working only with common sense. I am grateful that you are at the other end of my insidious questions.

Thanks again Joe.

After replacing the obvious sensors etc, it is now down to the water pump. I purchased one and have to replace it myself. Is there a video you know about to give me a blow by blow. I know it is a difficult job but don't have a choice re tackling it myself. The car is 1996 Ford Contour 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder.

Many thanks indeed.

The water pump on this car seems to be driven by the serpentine belt. Do I still have to go through all the camshaft timing belt steps?

Hi Joe,

Finally got code reader. Code PO133 "Circuit slow response" (Bank 1, Sensor 1)

Don't have a clue what to do with that information. The reader only gave that one code for my problems. Optimistic until I know what that code really means.

Thanks Joe

Have been reading up on O2 sensors. Nothing seems to indicate trouble with engine running at high temperatures. No other reading on the reader which is about impossible in my mind.

I should further explain fuel pump issue. I don't know for sure it is gone. What I do know is that the pulley is making a lot of noise and doesn't run true to balance. It appears to be rough running and wobbles - big word to describe a little "shake" back and forth. Sounds like the whole thing wants to be bathed in oil! Water pump pulley has been discontinued, so if in fact there is a bearing in the apparatus, the only thing I can think of is to take it to a bearing company and put a new one in.

What do you think? I really don't know if there is a bearing in that pulley. Can't find any info. At this point, I will go to fantastic lengths to avoid replacing the water pump! Although I'm sure I can tackle it with all your help, it is, in the long run, daunting!

So, I will wait for you to opine and we'll go from there.

Cheers!

Hi Joe,

Cell phones don't work where we are so I will try to get a video with my computer. Water pump didn't arrive, so pick it up Tuesday morning. Should the reader have told me about the pump? I don't know enough about them.

Thanks again for your help - so so appreciated.