I know it's not a truck, but...

[FONT=Calibri]My daughter has a 2000 Ford Contour 2.5L Duratec V6 DOHC 24 valve - The original problem was that the "check engine" light came on and the engine would not idle (stalling). My daughter took the car to Ford for a diagnostic reading, they got EEC test codes: P0171, P0174, P1507, P1131, P1151, P0401 they said it would cost over $950 to replace the IAC, DPFE, the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. She can't afford that, so I took on the job. When I plugged in my code reader, It asked if I was testing a Mazda. It has always popped up the proper info automatically in the past. I selected “Ford” from a list and it indicated the same codes as above. There was no indication of vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, but I checked all the torques on the bolts anyway. I found that the IAC was very loose where it mounts on the intake manifold. I Removed, cleaned and tested the IAC electrically. It tested okay, so I reinstalled it with a new gasket after cleaning where it mounts. I discovered two bad vacuum hoses and replaced them. I also cleaned the MAF, throttle body, snorkel, air filter, cleaned and tested the DPFE sensor and the EGR valve - it held vacuum. I restarted the engine, hooked up my code reader (it asked me if it's a Ford???) and erased the codes. I got the following new codes: P1504, P0351, P0301, and P0305. I installed a new set of spark plugs and cables; removed, inspected and tested the ignition coil pack – OK. The engine still wouldn’t idle but ran excellent above 2000 RPM. I Replaced the IAC valve and restarted the engine. It still runs very rough at low idle, but the idle smoothes out when the electric fan raises the RPM to high idle. At about 1000 RPM and above, the engine runs perfect. I test drove it and the car had plenty of power and drove fine, but when I bring it back down to an idle it stumbles all over the place, but at least it does idle now. What next? Please help.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =

 

I very carefully removed the MAF from the air intake plenum by removing the two security screws to provide better access to the two thin wires inside so I could clean it more thoroughly. I used a cotton swab soaked in electrical cleaner and very gently cleaned each wire making sure I didn’t leave any lint behind. I put everything back together and started the engine. I took the car out and drove it for twenty minutes and, like before, it ran perfect. I brought the car back home and let it idle in my driveway and it purred like a kitten for more than 20 minutes. My daughter came and picked up the car, and as far as I know, it’s still running perfect.
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Glad to hear ya got it figured out ... Good thing it wasn't a bad piece of electronic hardware ...

 

You took care of several of the common problems on the 2.5L Conturd. Keep an eye on the CEL to see if it comes back after the various monitors run over the next several drive cycles.

UIM and LIM intake gaskets are a common cause of the "lean" codes. Since you found an apparent intake tract leak at the IAC, you may have resolved that particular problem. MAF sensor contamination can also account for them.

A common cause of the P0401 code is that the EGR passages behind the throttle body get clogged with carbon. Give the EGR a simple "suck" test to see if the EGR valve is working and the passages are clear.

For lots of Conturd help, should it be needed, you can visit a bunch of us over at The Contour Enthusiasts Group

 

"For lots of Conturd help, should it be needed, you can visit a bunch of us over at The Contour Enthusiasts Group."

Ya, I tried them. I became a member and registered, but they wouldn't allow me to post or do anything else. I tried everything, I even wrote the administrator, but never received a reply. Then I came here (Ford Truck Enthusiasts) and wrote my post. It's still the same today, nothing's changed.