BuckeyeSVT

Being that it's a 4 cylinder, are you sure it just ran out of gas? A broken timing belt can mimic the same issues and will kill the engine. Does it crank normally but not start? If it's backfiring that normally doesn't point to the fuel system but a quick check would be to see if you have gas coming to the engine by removing the fuel line (with a special tool you can purchase cheaply at the parts store) and finding out if you have fuel flow. Did you just put a pump in it or the whole module? -Dominic

Any sunroof? Windshield recently replaced? Water leaks can come from multiple areas but still look like they are coming from a different source.

Easier? Maybe. Messier? Definitely...

Normally it can be reached without removing the complete manifold. I've been able to reach it behind the manifold without removing it. It's a bugger, but it can be done. Most times once the manifold has been removed it may not seal correctly. A new gasket will be required once removed as it crushes on installation. In certain cases, the manifold has warped enough that once it's removed it will never seat back the same way. The only remedy there would be to either have a machine shop flat plane the manifold face which would allow it to seal or replace it entirely. -Dom

Honestly timing belts on Contour 2.0L engines don't last more than 120,000 miles. During the process of the timing belt replacement there are certain elements (Camshafts) that need to be locked in place and the crankshaft needs to be set on a specific point. The VCT hub and sprocket requires loosening so the timing belt can be properly installed. Once the belt is installed and the tensioner set correctly - The VCT hub sprocket then gets tightened onto the camshaft locking in the adjustment. If this step is skipped, more often than not the timing will be off. The PCM monitors the crankshaft and camshaft positions and can tell when they are out of sync. This leads to VCT Advanced error codes. Sitting around won't affect the timing, so it could sit for 2 years and that won't cause the issues you are having. The only other thing I have found in the past is if the engine hasn't been maintained properly sludge can build up in the oil passages (can be seen through the oil fill cap). If you see sludge, chances are it will affect the VCT Solenoid operation and timing. Long story short - More than likely the timing belt has been replaced by someone who didn't follow the service manual instructions. This can lead to the Check Engine light on, and in some severe cases the engine running poorly. I've seen a lot of poor running engines from improper timing belt changes. Depending on your own skill, you may purchase a manual and check it yourself. Otherwise it will need to go to someone who understands and can check it for you. -Dominic

Well, that's certainly a strange one. The door locks will cycle and you should see the lever inside go flat when it's unlocked. If the door doesn't open when the interior lock lever goes flat with the door handle it may be that the door is stuck - Or the latch is faulty. But both doors seems a little strange. Has this vehicle been sitting for a long while? Like years? Because the door seals may just be stuck to the door frames preventing the doors from opening. -Dominic

Does the key turn in the lock cylinder? Are you using a remote or a tool to actuate the door locks? -Dominic

Unfortunately the 2003 Escape cams won't work well. They are meant for an oval port intake and also are a different tooth pattern on the chain end which isn't compatible with your current chains or bottom crankshaft sprocket. -Dominic

So, code 21 is for the RH front airbag sensor. It's in the right side kick panel next to the PCM. The code states the sensor is not bolted to it's bracket. DTC 21: SAFING SENSOR NOT MOUNTED TO VEHICLE PROPERLY 21-1 CHECK FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE Turn ignition switch to RUN. Count diagnostic trouble code. Is Code 21 flashing? Yes No GO to 21-2 . READ the normal operation description for this diagnostic trouble code. DO NOT proceed with Pinpoint Test until the code is flashing! Failure to do so will result in needless replacement of the air bag system components and repeat service. 21-2 MEASURE RESISTANCE BETWEEN PIN C234-3 AND PIN C234-16 Turn ignition switch to OFF. Deactivate system (leave battery cables disconnected). Disconnect air bag diagnostic monitor. Measure resistance between Pin C234 , Circuit 91 (BK/R, ground and Pin C234 , Circuit 9 (BR/GN). Is resistance greater than two ohms? Yes No GO to 21-3 . REPLACE air bag diagnostic monitor. RECONNECT system. VERIFY system. REACTIVATE system. 21-3 MEASURE RESISTANCE IN CIRCUIT 9 (BR/GN) Disconnect RH kick panel safing sensor. Measure resistance of Circuit 9 (BR/GN) in the RH kick panel safing sensor connector to RH kick panel safing sensor sheet metal case ground. The sheet metal case ground must be bare and clean. Is resistance greater than two ohms? Yes No GO to 21-4 . LOCATE and SERVICE open in Circuit 9 (BR/GN). RECONNECT system. VERIFY system. REACTIVATE system. 21-4 MEASURE RESISTANCE TO GROUND Remove RH kick panel safing sensor and bracket from vehicle. Thoroughly clean the RH kick panel safing sensor mounting surface. Remount RH kick panel safing sensor and bracket. Measure resistance of Circuit 9 (BR/GN) in the RH kick panel safing sensor connector to RH kick panel safing sensor sheet metal case ground. Is resistance greater than two ohms? Yes No REPLACE RH kick panel safing sensor and bracket. RECONNECT system. VERIFY system. REACTIVATE system. RECONNECT system. VERIFY system. REACTIVATE system. Hope this helps. -Dominic

Parts are hard to find even here in the states. Just comes with the territory of a 22 year old car. to FCO! -Dominic

It's that time of season, snow or shine - It's Holiday season! Hope everyone has a great one from FCO!

Have a great Turkey day! Try not to burn anything down while cooking the bird... -Dominic

to FCO!

The length of the sensor lead may be an issue, but electrically they are the same. -Dominic