1995 Ford Contour Dies at Idle

Tiny
JEFFGMC00
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 144,000 MILES
Help! Got a OBD I Tester read code and installed new Mass Airflow Sensor. Did not reset by disconnecting battery. Car starts but will not idle. Can keep it going by pumpimg the gas pedal. Dies at stop lights. Starts right up and keeps going as long as pedal is pumped during idle.
Thursday, October 28th, 2010 AT 4:58 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi JeffGMC00,

Thank you for the donation.

What is the trouble code that you are getting?

After replacement of the AMF, did the same trouble code indicates?
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
JEFFGMC00
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No fault is showing at this time.
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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What was the reason for replacing the MAF?

The idling speed is either too low or you have a vacuum leak between the MAF and throttle body. Check the throttle body and clean it if necessary.
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Saturday, October 30th, 2010 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
JEFFGMC00
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The reason for replacing the Mass Airflow Sensor was because I had a check engine light. I hooked up a Ford OBD I Tester and that was the code I got - MAS has too high and too low voltage. The current problem did not manifest itself until I changed the MAS so I suspect your suggestion about a vacuum leak is probably it. I will check that 1st (along with your other suggestion) and report back to you. Thanks!
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Saturday, October 30th, 2010 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You're welcome.

If the replacement MAF is a used unit, try cleaning it with MAF cleaner. When MAF gets dirty, they can send the wrong signal to the PCM and result in erratic idling.
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Saturday, October 30th, 2010 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
JEFFGMC00
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
OK checked for vacuum leak - none found, I was sure that was it. I have a Haynes manual and it does not address Throttle Body. I have performed a lot of my own maintenance but need some gudiance on the throttle body?

Thanks
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Monday, November 1st, 2010 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Throttle body is the part where the throttle cable ends. Inside is a plate that opens to allow more air to go through. When the sides are dirty, air passage is restricted and the idling speed would drop or be eratic.

Spray some carb cleaner into the throttle body and use a tooth brush to brush the inner bore with throttle plate fully opened. Use a rag to wipe it dry.

Starting of engine would be difficult until the carb cleaner dries out.

Throttle body cleanig would not be found in shop manuals so don't be surprised.
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Monday, November 1st, 2010 AT 10:47 AM

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