1998 Contour Acceleration Issue? Help!

DANIELSACRAMENTO

MEMBER
1998 FORD CONTOUR

Heya, I was hoping someone could help me narrow down the problem I'm having. I have a 1998 Ford Contour SE, automatic, 2.5-liter V6 with 80,000 miles. I purchased it 3 months ago and had a minor inspection done by a mechanic and everythign looked fine. I replaced the fuel filter last month.

The problem: I was trying to merge into traffic the other day and when I tried to get up to speed my car made a loud Vrooom noise but didn't really go anywhere. I mean, the car was going like 5-10 miles an hour but wasn't really accelerating from there. I barely made it out of traffic. Also, the last week or so, my car has been making a loud, repetive ticking noise that seems to originate from the belt/alternator area. I don't know if this is related.

Also worth mentioning: Since I've had the car everytime I accelerate up to speed the car sort of 'jerks' a little when I start going faster. (I assume its whent he automatic transmission is changing gears.) Its a strange sort of recoil that happens when I get around 30-40 mph.

Also, the car has always had poor acceleration. I can't keep pace with anyone else in traffic.

Any ideas?

Thanks so much

1 Reply

MELNCALLEY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I also have a 1998 Ford contour SE. About 3 months ago I had to have all the timing pulleys and belts changed out. Cost a good bit of money, let me tell you. I would have that checked out first. If you can do it yourself, you can save about $500. When I took mine to the shop, they thought it was the catalytic converter, not so much, ending up being the timing. The mechanic said that it is not uncommon on this car for the timing to go out. My car is now at 92000 and I think I have an O2 sensor out. Joy of all joys!