Strange Idling Issue with 98 Contour

A few days ago, my 98 Ford Contour was having some idling issues. I was reading these forums and several people had similar situations. After turning the ignition the engine would start but then suddenly stall. I could press the accelerator in to start the engine also and maintain a manual idle but once I released the pressure from the pedal it would stall out again.

I read about this IAC valve (Idle Air Control) and that it might need to be replaced. I spoke with a garage owner and he said to check for leaking air hoses. I'm not that familiar with engines at all, so I'm not exactly sure where the IAC Valve is located or what it looks like.

Anyways, I got my friend to maintain a manual idle state while I looked under the hood for leaking air hoses or anything abnormal. After about 4-5 minutes of looking around, he took his foot off the accelerator and it maintained an idle state on its own. We were both shocked about this and then restarted the car several times, with the idling working normally.

Any suggestion or opinions as to what might have been the problem or what I can do to prevent this occurence from happening again?

It could be an IAC issue. The IAC gets gunked up with carbon and causes the spring to stick. Once its stuck, it can become unstuck sooner or later and may not become stuck again for another 5-6 months. Maybe that 5 minutes you were inspecting over the car was all it needed.

After about 4-5 minutes of looking around, he took his foot off the accelerator and it maintained an idle state on its own. We were both shocked about this and then restarted the car several times, with the idling working normally.

Any suggestion or opinions as to what might have been the problem or what I can do to prevent this occurence from happening again?

General rule of thumb, post what engine your car has to possibly get more specific help.

Sounds like you might have a problem with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system should be closed during a cold startup and cold idle, then open slightly as the engine warms up. If the EGR valve is not closing completely, it could cause cold idle issues like you describe.

You could also have a vacuum leak (which is probably what the garage owner was referring to. As the car warms up, the computer will begin to compensate for minor problems. However, since you have a 1998 Contour, you also have the OBD-II computer system and if it is sensing a vacuum leak, I'd expect it to set a diagnostic trouble code for something since a vacuum leak would likely indicate an emissions problem. Get the codes read. Most of the chain auto parts stores will read the codes at no charge. Don't necessarily let them sell you anything yet to repair the "problem" but instead post the code on this forum. Many of the people on this forum are very familiar with common issue with the Contour and can guide you through your car's issues.

-Rod

I am having the same exact problem on my 1998 Ford Contour. I have the SE V6 2.5L engine. I have had the dash light on for a bit now and havn't had the codes read yet. I saw people mention checking the IAC and EGR but I have no idea what they look like or where they are. I have been told the O2 sensors might be causing the problem - is there a schematic or pictures online of these two pieces for me to check? Thanks.
-Sarge

i have a 98 SE 2.5,had the very same problem 2 months ago.start the car,stall out,start again,same thing,give a little gas it stuttered til i got it past 1500rpm's.i had people telling me to change sensors,look for leaks,did all of that and found nothing.my dad suggested the simplest solution,change the fuel filter,i haven't had a problem since.i have 113,000 miles on my car and it runs like a top.maybe you can help me,what is a TCC sylinoid and how do i change it.puter on car says it's stuck in on/off position.so far it's not affecting the cars performance but i'd like to catch it before it does.

mike in cleveland

I have the same TCC issue and was assuming that that was the problem. Not sure on what is needed in order to replace that. I got the feeling it was not something easy (at least for me) to do. I replaced the fuel filter awhile back but seeing as how they are cheap for our car maybe I will give it another shot. Thanks.
-Sarge