Same problem, new twist.

96 Countour 4 Cyl 2.0

I'm having the same problems with my contour as it seems many are having. Very rough idle in Drive at stops, insanely worse with the AC on. At start-up it stalls once in a while. Also, it seems to sputter at the same time it idles rough and it also sputters in neutral where the shaking subsides drastically.

I've changed the plugs and wires but no change. The CEL is NOT on and I am hesitant to try anything previously posted here as it did not work at all for them and I can't afford to throw money at something that essentially isn't the problem. Any ideas?

id change the fuel pump and filter.

clear IAC-MAF- and TB, helped my car so much

I just bought this car and am not clear as to its history but I had a friend look at it and he said he thinks the timing is off. He said the previous owner probably got the TB changed and didn't line one of the cams up right. Does anyone else think this might be it?

if the timing was off even one notch it would stall all the time (beleive me, It's happen on my car) it would barley idle and once you shifted it into drive it would stall.

I took it to a mechanic and he said the same thing about the timing. His recommendation was that I change the fuel filter (fuel pump seemed ok) and to clean the mass airflow sensor with brake cleaner. If that didn't work take it to a dealer for an in depth diagnositc test. I'll let you know what happens.

Ok, so to recap what I've done thusfar:

Changed spark plugs
Changed the plug wires
Been running fuel injector cleaner
Changed fuel and air filters
Cleaned MAF

No go. I have no idea where the IAC is on this car, any help? I've no other ideas besides bringing it to a dealer. Any suggestions?

[No go. I have no idea where the IAC is on this car, any help? I've no other ideas besides bringing it to a dealer. Any suggestions?[/QUOTE]


I have the same problem with my 2000 2.0 auto . stalling in drive when comming to a stop. my engine code is po340 cam sensor. others have told me to clean maf and iac. which didnt help. my iac was on the back above the starter. 2 8mm bolts. in another post someone with a hesitation had a timming belt idler pulley bad. They stated that it operates with oil and that changing from 10-30 to 5-30 and using a non flow back oil filter will help. I just found this out and will try it on my car. If Im wrong let me know

New symptoms. This just keeps getting better.

I now have weak/sporadic acceleration. When I accelerate or decelerate and sit at a light I get a progressively more violent jerk. If I sit at a stop light and very lightly press the brake the jerking actually moves the car forward a bit. Its a very rough ride when as soon as you hit the gas or brake your car jerks. It's weaker than it used to be, also.

Is this a new problem or is it a symptom of the same problem I'm currently having.