1996 Lincoln Continental Surge Hesitation

1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
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BLACLIAT
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  • 1 POST
1996 Lincoln Continental, 210k miles...Car surges or hesitates at idle and wide open throttle. Fuel pump and filter were replaced last year. I pulled code P1131. Pulled MAF and cleaned with alcohol. Started car and same condition exhisted, unplugged MAF and it seemed to run a little better. Prior to starting the car, the dash mounted display said "Fuel flow data error" It went away after I started the car. I have lost about 7 mpg.
Any ideas???
Apr 10, 2006 at 4:18 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Has the code for the maf returned? Could be bad.
Ford recommends new O2 sensors @100,000 miles.
Check for vacuum leaks and sticky EGR valve.

Good luck and let us know. :)
Apr 10, 2006 at 5:10 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
The front O2 sensors controll air/ fuel ratio info to the PCM. The rear O2s monitor the function of the cat/s.
Apr 10, 2006 at 5:12 AM
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Suggested Repair

Confirm whether the MAF code returns, since the MAF may be faulty. Replace the oxygen sensors, as Ford recommends new sensors around 100,000 miles; the front sensors control air-fuel ratio information to the PCM. Also check for vacuum leaks and a sticky EGR valve.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Lincoln Continental with 210,000 miles surges or hesitates at idle and wide-open throttle, with about 7 mpg lost. The fuel pump and filter were replaced the prior year, and code P1131 was retrieved. Cleaning the MAF did not help, though unplugging it seemed to improve running slightly; a fuel flow data error appeared before starting and then cleared. The expert suggested the MAF may be bad, recommended new oxygen sensors around 100,000 miles, and advised checking for vacuum leaks and a sticky EGR valve.

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