BuckeyeSVT

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 Long story short - More than likely the timing belt has been replaced by someone who didn't follow the service manual instructions.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

Normally well before that age the IMRC usually dies and the secondaries fail to open which means no power on the highway. I was once passed by a stock Honda Civic when my secondaries were dead. I fixed that fast...lol. IMRC is the box on the front valve cover that connects by a cable to the lower intake manifold. It's not too hard to change, and easy to diagnose. They normally quit when the engine heats up and you can test by revving the engine up to 4,000 RPM. It should move the lever on the lower intake manifold if working correctly. If not, it's failed. That's the easiest thing that kills power - Then we move onto exhaust restrictions like converters failed and such. -Dominic

to FCO! Lurk or join, glad to see you join! -Dominic

It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to replace a failed differential. Does the car make any noise when in gear and the clutch is let out? Does the speedometer go up when in first gear and the throttle is applied lightly? Unfortunately most of the parts for these cars are discontinued and I don't see a listing for the differential available from Ford. Lots of parts are available for the automatics, but most of the parts for the manuals are gone. Perhaps sourcing a used transmission may be easier? -Dominic

The weak point in these transmissions is the differential. If it goes, the transmission will feel like it will go in gear - But the car will not move. Sometimes you can put it in gear and the speedometer will show wheel speed as you are sitting still. The other issue is the pin in the shifter housing. Normally there is no snapping noise, and the shifter goes numb and loose between gears. -Dominic