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Rough idle, slow acceleration

Tiny
HFROIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My car is idling very rough. It sputters, almost stalls. This started about 2 weeks ago and has gotten worse. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. It's accelerating slow. The oil is a little bit dark but not thick or creamy colored. I'm new to vehicle maintenance and I don't know where to start.

Thank you!
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Thursday, September 8th, 2016 AT 6:49 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
How long since the engine has had a tune-up? How old are the spark plugs and wires? Have you had the diagnostic fault codes read and recorded? The people at many auto parts stores will do that for you for free.
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Thursday, September 8th, 2016 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
HFROIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
About a year for both.
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Friday, September 9th, 2016 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Now you know where to start. Normally I'd say to have the cause properly diagnosed, but replacing the spark plugs and wires again is less expensive if it solves the problem, and low-cost insurance if it doesn't.
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Friday, September 9th, 2016 AT 8:55 PM

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