99 contour stalls when warms up

[tomfitzy]

My 99 contour stalls when it warms up. I can start it up again and hold the gas pedal down a little to keep it running(it idles good at startup until it warms up) according to autozone, the code was for a cam shaft position sensor. I bought it and installed it, it made no difference. I took it back for another test, they stated it to be a timing belt misalignment or ignition misfire. I was looking for the problem , while checking the air filter, I unhooked the air mass control and it no longer stalled. Because I was not sure that it was the problem($140) I purchased a used one with the same numbers, but the cars still stalls when it warms up. Please help me, I would really appreciate it. Thanks (also, the engine light comes on too)

[beyondloadedSE]

Could be an intake leak. Because the car generally runs richer upon cold start up, its more likely to run. However, once it leans out after warming up, the car will be more likely to stall. Thats my first guess anyway.

[tomfitzy]

Thank you for the reply, do you know if there are any air lines under the car? My driveway is rough and I believe I bottomed out a couple of times. I looked but did not see any.

[carlos80]

Could be a vac. leak, does it stall even when you're pushing on the accelerator pedal or when its at idle? How about the crank sensor,connector, terminals and visible wiring does it look good? i.e. not loose, dirty, corroded, etc.

[carlos80]

As far as vac lines under the car the answer is no.

[tomfitzy]

Thanks carlos, The car does not stall if I hold down the gas pedal, only when it warms up at idle, then it stalls. I can start it right up again but must keep the pedal down a little to keep it going or it stalls out. The cam shaft sensor was replaced, where is the crankshaft sensor? Any wiring I look at seems to be in good shape. Thanks again.

[pre98zetec]

timing

[tomfitzy]

Thanks, how would the timing become bad? Just normal use? Thanks

[pre98zetec]

VCT messes up alot and the code autozone prolly pulled was for a cam over-retard or cam under-retard (messed up timing).. its very common with VCT zetecs.

[carlos80]

Hows the power output? Start by checking engine timing, if that checks out it could be your VCT staying stuck on. On cold start the reason why it stays on is because it revs a little higher check engine timing first then get back to us. Oh and get the specific DTC number it would be of great help.

[tomfitzy]

What is the easiest way to check the timing? Also, what is the vct? The power output seems to be ok I will get the code again this weekend. Thanks for your help.

[tomfitzy]

The codes are po113 and po340

[tomfitzy]

I took it to the dealer. Stated it needs a new variable timing solenoid, cost, 350 + 5 hours labor. Also said I should replace the timing belt, additional 5 or 6 hours, I asked if they can slip a new water pump in since it would be taken apart anyway, stated another 5 hours. They can go jumo in a lake. I asked what is making the engine stall and light to come on, can't be both, they said the variable solenoid. Does it really cost 360 for one? Would it be hard to replace? Please help, thanks