2000 Contour check engine strange problem

My 2000 Contour was running perfectly when I parked it. The next morning at startup the check engine light came on. I checked all of the obvious things, oil, water levels, dirty air filter, etc. before driving it. It idles perfectly until the engine is revved upto 3/4 wide open. At that point the engine starts surging as if gas supply is pulsing. Engine is not missing, but car accelerates slightly slower than normal up to highway speed then really hesitates if you try to accelerate above that. I'm thinking some type of sensor problem but not sure.
Is there anyway to get error code number without taking to shop?

We had the same problem with our 1995 Contour and it turned out to be the "air flow sensor". We did trial and error for some time before taking it to Ford and having it put on a scope. Hope this helps.

Remove your Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). It has two small wires that run across the interior opening, and if the two wires get dirty, it feeds incorrect information to the engine control computer and will cause the exact problem you are having. These two wires can be cleaned and the MAF reinstalled, but you must be VERY careful not to bend or break them. Try and use a cleaner that does not leave any residue.

[silver demon]

my car is not working very well and a guy told me that it was the MAF and I cleaned it and the problem still there. I can use it normally and doesn't do anything but when I step on the gas the car stays at 4500 rpm what would be the reason?

[G O R T]

[QUOTE=silver demon;36149]my car is not working very well and a guy told me that it was the MAF and I cleaned it and the problem still there. I can use it normally and doesn't do anything but when I step on the gas the car stays at 4500 rpm what would be the reason?[/QUOTE]

It seems likely that your IMRC is stuck closed.

Unhook the cable from the butterfly linkage on the drivers side lower intake and try to move the linkage by hand. If the shafts going into the intake do not rotate, pull the hose off the IAC and spray some carb cleaner into the IAC while running the engine at 1500 RPM. Spray until the engine stalls or have someone kill the engine after about 15 seconds. If this does not free the shafts up you will have to pull the intake and de-gunk the butterflies. Don't forget the new gaskets.

If the shafts turn easily by hand, replace the IMRC box under the plastic front cover.

[G O R T]

[QUOTE=randy54;906]
Is there anyway to get error code number without taking to shop?[/QUOTE]

You may have a stuck IMRC also.

Autozone will pull the codes for free in the U.S.

Otherwise get yourself an OBDII code puller for about 80$.

[mikeeeep]

Does anyone know where the ODBII port is on the 2000 Contour? I do not see it beneath the steering wheel as it is on most Fords.

[emart007]

[QUOTE=randy54;906]My 2000 Contour was running perfectly when I parked it. The next morning at startup the check engine light came on. I checked all of the obvious things, oil, water levels, dirty air filter, etc. before driving it. It idles perfectly until the engine is revved upto 3/4 wide open. At that point the engine starts surging as if gas supply is pulsing. Engine is not missing, but car accelerates slightly slower than normal up to highway speed then really hesitates if you try to accelerate above that. I'm thinking some type of sensor problem but not sure.
Is there anyway to get error code number without taking to shop?[/QUOTE]

Hey what did u do to fix this did u change the MAF sensor or clean them or did u get it fixed at all? im having that same surgin problem, and its getting annoying... please help!!!

[r8nger]

right next to the hood latch up in the black square rectangle. It doesn't look like the regular ones with the black housing around the plug.