"Tom Adkins" wrote: > RunBoris wrote: > > 1998 Ford Contour SE, 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC > > > > Ok, here?s a quick run-down of the past 2 weeks or so: > > > > Problem 1) Check Engine Light: Bad O2 Sensor > > Symptons) Slightly jerky driving > > Solution) Replaced both O2 sensors > > Problem Fixed! > > > > Problem 2) Check Engine Light: Misfire Cylinders 3 & 4 > > Symptons) REALLY jerky driving > > Solution) Replaced all 4 spark plugs AND wires > > Problem Fixed! Runs better than ever! > > > > 3-4 days later... > > Problem 3) Check Engine Light: Ignition System Malfunction > or Misfire > > Symtpons) When accelerating from a complete stop, RPMs drop > to almost > > nil, sometimes (becoming more frequent) stalling out. Also, > on the > > interstate when I hit around 75ish, I begin slowing down. If > I try to > > punch the gas, it drops in RPMs, then when I let up a > little, it > > downshifts and accellerates. Also, when giving it gas, it > has a much > > louder/deeper roar/moan than it used to. > > And since I?m not very car-litterate, I?m gonna try hard to > describe > > this next symptom... When I start my car, it seems like the > engine is > > about 1/2 second off from everything else. I can here the > starter > > finish it?s thing, but don?t actually here the engine > immediately. > > The guy at auto zone said the engine code was a generic > manufacturer > > code that could mean anything. He suggested something about > my > > ignition coil and come ind of controller something-or-other. > > > > Any clues? Thanks! > > > I would suggest having someone other than the "guy at Auto > Zone" diagnose your car. > Those folks are not technicians. > My suspicion is that your catalytic converter is plugged > (either causing, or caused > by a rich fuel condition). I suspect this initially caused the > "bad O2 sensor code". > The sensor was likely not "bad". It was reporting the rich > fuel condition. The plugs > became fouled due to the rich condition and the new ones > masked the problem > temporarily. This is not a diagnosis, but a hunch based on > your description. > It could be that your misfire is caused by a plugged > converter which is in turn > causing the rich condition, or that the misfire is causing a > rich condition and loss > of power. It could also be something as simple as a plugged > fuel filter causing a lean > condition, misfire and loss of power. > Before you throw any more parts at the problem, have it > properly diagnosed. > Tom
Well, I was hoping this would be as easy of a problem as the other 2, thus the reason I only went to Auto Zone (for an ODB2 scan).
Anywho, is a plugged cat. converter something that can be easily unplugged? Or do I absolutely have to have a mechanic do that? Reason I ask is because I?m low on money, and I have to use my car for work. (So I?d have to wait for a paycheck before professionals repairs, in turn having to miss work for a week).