1996 Ford Contour Engine hesitation under acceleration when

Tiny
HOTRODDAVEM
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
I just bought this '96 contour with the check engine light on. When you first start it up, if you try to press the accelerator it spits and sputters and tries to stall (although it never actually has), but if you let it warm up for about five to ten minutes and press the accelerator it runs good. I drove it over 130 miles without a problem after warming up. I bought a code reader and the DTC's on the car are P0420 and P0171. Are there any common problems that have these 2 codes? Any suggestions?
Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 12:54 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
P0420 = Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold

This means that the secondary O2 sensor detects that the catalytic converter isn't working as efficiently as it should.

This engine code can be triggered by any one of the following:

1.) The catalyst in the catalytic converter is cracked, clogged, or otherwise damaged.
2.) The secondary O2 sensor is malfunctioning.
3.) There is an exhaust leak.
4.) The computer unit is faulty.

P0171 = lean condition

Try cleaning the MAF sensor with some electical cleaner. Also check for vacuum leaks.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 1:07 AM

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