'98 Contour Starting & Engine Issues

Good Morning,

I have a 1998 Contour that's been failing to start when it's cold (I live in Michigan). I've attributed this to either the battery going or the alternator, possibly the belt. It's been on my list of things to do, but haven't gotten around to it. I only mention this because I'm not sure how it relates to my now, more serious problem.

Last night after dropping off some packages at Airborne Express, the Check Engine light came on. About 1/4 mile down the street I lost power coming from the engine, while it was still running. The engine began to vibrate and emit metallic noises. The car died completely about 20 seconds after.

Due to the battery/charging problems, the car wouldn't restart. After jumping it, I could get it to run if I fed it gas, but the engine continued to vibrate and make metallic clashing noises. Again, no power was being delivered to the wheels. The car died soon after and refused to start at all.

I'd appreciate any ideas you all might have.

Thanks.

Reply to
edvard
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Metallic clashing noise? And you still tried to run it? You may have MAJOR damage. If you are very lucky, the banging may have just been the engine moving enough to start hitting things. It might move enough to unplug connectors.

Without getting an engine code to see what the light was for, it's hard to pin down what originally caused it. A plugged catalytic converter could cause an engine light and loss of power.

Reply to
Andrew Rossmann

go to

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and ask the same question and you will get a pretty good group of answers.. its a contour web site for contour owners.. i got tons of info off of this site.....

Reply to
jim

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