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1996 Ford Contour Loss of Power


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DanR
New User

Jul 8, 2011, 1:32 PM

Post #1 of 2 (2438 views)
post icon 1996 Ford Contour Loss of Power Sign In

Hello,
I have a 1996 Ford Contour V4 with 140k miles on it. Recently after about 15 minutes of driving at varying speeds it simply completely loses power with the engine suddenly not running and a loss of power steering. It does not stall and it has not been in raining conditions when it has happened. In all cases I could not start the car back up but had to wait for around 5 minutes before it started back up perfectly fine only to fail the same way a few miles down the road.
I have replaced the battery and about 10k miles ago replaced the computer and had it flashed to pass inspection.Replaced the fuel filter just before improving a stalling out/lean engine problem I was having.
Thanks,
Dan


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jul 8, 2011, 1:58 PM

Post #2 of 2 (2433 views)
Re: 1996 Ford Contour Loss of Power Sign In

    All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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