1993 Mercury Capri Cold Idle and Low MPG

1993 MERCURY CAPRI
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HOSS87
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  • 13 POSTS
I have a '93 Capri with 182000 miles. I pu tit in a ditch not too long ago and came inches from destroying my oil cooler, but didn't do anything to the engine that I could see. Since that accident I've noticed that it won't idle on it own when I first start it up, but runs fine after it wrms up. Also my once 30mpg has gone to 9. A 1.6l engine shouldn't be getting 9mpg, can anyone help me?
Feb 17, 2006 at 1:38 PM
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MADDISON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 28 POSTS
Check your oxygen sensor,you may have broke a wire when you ditched it.
Feb 20, 2006 at 4:45 AM
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HOSS87
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  • 13 POSTS
Where abouts might I find that sensor?
Feb 20, 2006 at 5:02 AM
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MADDISON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 28 POSTS
It's in your exhaust pipe,closer to the front of the car.It will be the only one in the pipe.
Feb 20, 2006 at 5:20 AM
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HOSS87
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  • 13 POSTS
I thank you much
Feb 20, 2006 at 5:41 AM
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MADDISON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 28 POSTS
Let me know if that was the problem.
Feb 20, 2006 at 5:43 AM
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HOSS87
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
No that wasn't the problem, that sensor is on the front of the engine right after the manifold and its in good shape by lookin' at it, and couldn't have been hit when I ditched it. Any other suggestions?
Feb 20, 2006 at 6:12 AM
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MADDISON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 28 POSTS
probably wouldn't hurt to have it scanned,you may have knocked a wire somewhere else.Sometimes it's cheaper than troubleshooting.Sorry I can't be of more help.
Feb 20, 2006 at 6:46 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes and inspect wiring that may have been disturbed in the ditch. The oxygen sensor was checked and did not appear damaged.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1993 Mercury Capri with high mileage said that after a ditch incident the engine would not idle when first started but ran normally once warm, and fuel economy fell from about 30 mpg to 9 mpg. An expert suggested checking the oxygen sensor for a broken wire. The owner located the sensor near the exhaust manifold, said it looked intact, and did not believe the accident damaged it. The expert then recommended a diagnostic scan in case another wire was disturbed, noting that scanning can be cheaper than extended troubleshooting.

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