Code P1383, engine will crank but not start?

Tiny
LEONARDZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
I changed the spark plugs and wires, ignition coil, I have not done a fuel test to check for pressure. Some people say you can open the oil reservoir cap, crank the engine and if you see something spinning your belt is not broken? Not sure if that is true. But I will check the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft sensor. I also need the correct firing order because I think the spark plug wires are wrongly hooked up. Another concern, a mechanic shop told me his computer system said my motor is an interference motor, but I searched on the internet and everywhere is saying that my motor is a non-interference motor.
Sunday, January 12th, 2025 AT 10:52 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
LEONARDZ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So I did some more investigating and decided to try to check the belt and noticed that it was loose, and it had cracks in the belt, not being a mechanic, I'm possibly sure the belt is too loose. My opinion. It might have slipped or was slipping off the pullies. I think I found out why I was getting a crank but no start.
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Sunday, January 12th, 2025 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
LEONARDZ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So I spoke to numerous shops, and they told me that the heads are more than likely 90 percent damaged. The exact model of the car Is a 1998 Ford Contour GL 2.0l DOHC 4-cylinder Zetec engine. I was told any DOHC with a slipped belt or broken belt will have bent valves. I was under the impression that my car was a non-interference engine.
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,192 POSTS
Yep, that timing belt is no good. The 1998 Ford Contour 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (Zetec DOHC) is a non-interference engine. So, I would replace the timing belt, and you should be okay. Clear the codes once complete, here are the timing marks for clarity. You will need a special camshaft alignment tool to do the job FYI. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else. Thanks for the video, it helps.
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
LEONARDZ
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I do not have the proper equipment and tools to do a timing belt replacement myself unfortunately. I would have to have it towed to a shop. I'm getting mixed answers about the heads being damaged. Shops are probably used to cars coming in with heads damaged so they automatically assumed that my car would have been damaged. Everywhere I look on the internet says that a 1998 Ford Contour 2.0l 4-cylinder Zetec engine is a non-interference. But a GL sport edition is possible not. Should I trust the mechanic, he might say the heads are damaged to get more money if he's not honest.
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,192 POSTS
Yep, that is the question, if he says the head is damaged have him show you where once the engine is apart. You can take a picture of it and upload it to me for a second opinion.
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Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 AT 10:31 AM

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