Steering Wheel - Vibrates While Idling
Article No.97-11-7
05/27/97
^ IDLE - STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHILE
IDLING - VEHICLES BUILT WITH 2.0L ENGINE AND
CD4E TRANSMISSION
^ VIBRATION - STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHILE
IDLING - VEHICLES BUILT WITH 2.0L ENGINE AND
CD4E TRANSMISSION
FORD:
1995-97 CONTOUR
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1995-97 MYSTIQUE
ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit a steering wheel vibration or shake during idle with the transmission in gear and the air conditioning on. This may be due to insufficient separation between the natural frequency of the body structure and an engine vibration frequency at idle.
ACTION:
Remove steering wheel, mass damper, air bag module, and radiator mounts, and replace with revised parts. The new steering wheel, mass damper, and air bag module shift the natural frequency of the steering column. The new radiator mounts are softer and increase the vibration damping ability of the radiator. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
NOTE:
THE PROCEDURE CONTAINED IN THIS TSB ARTICLE MAY NOT COMPLETELY ELIMINATE ALL VIBRATION FROM THE VEHICLE. SOME VIBRATION IS INHERENT IN I-4 ENGINE DESIGNS, SUCH AS THE ZETEC 2.0L. THIS PROCEDURE IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF VIBRATION EXPERIENCED BY THE CUSTOMER.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Verify customer complaint. Warm the vehicle, accelerating through several "tip-in" cycles until the engine is at normal operating temperature. With the vehicle in DRIVE, switch the climate control to either A/C or Defrost with the blower in the first position. If the steering wheel visibly vibrates, then perform the following repair.
1. Remove the air bag module, steering wheel vibration damper, and steering wheel according to the procedures in the appropriate year Contour/Mystique Service Manual, Section 11-04.
NOTE:
LONG T27 TORX BITS TO AID REMOVAL OF THE AIR BAG ARE AVAILABLE FROM SNAP-ON(R). THE STOCK NUMBERS ARE FTXL27-2 (4.5" LONG) OR SDMT427 (2.75" LONG).
2. Install revised steering wheel vibration damper, steering wheel, and air bag module (refer to Parts Block for proper application) according to the Contour/Mystique Service Manual, Section 11-04. Make sure the new damper is properly centered (Figure 1) before tightening the bolt. Do not allow the damper to twist to either side while tightening the retaining bolt as this may cause the damper to raffle.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and remove the front undershield.
4. Loosen and remove the two (2) lower radiator mount retaining brackets (two bolts per mount, four bolts total).
5. Replace the lower radiator mounts with revised part (F7RZ-16138-AA). Be sure to insert the mounts fully into the brackets and push them flush to the bottom face of the radiator. Lubricate the new mounts with soap solution to ease insertion.
6. Reinstall the lower radiator mount retaining brackets and bolts. Do not completely tighten the bolts at this time.
7. Gently shake the radiator in the vertical direction and allow it to come to rest in a stress-free position.
8. Retighten the radiator lower brackets to 9.5 N-m (7 lb-ft). Do not allow the brackets to rotate while tightening the bolts. If necessary, hold the bracket in position while tightening to prevent rotation.
9. Apply a small force with your thumb and forefinger to the pins at the top of the radiator/condenser system (Figure 2). You should be able to move both pins 2-3 mm. It is helpful to compare the amount of free movement in the radiator system of the concern vehicle to the amount of movement in the radiator system of another 2.0L/CD4E Contour/Mystique which does not exhibit the concern to determine how much movement is desirable. It the pins do not move 2-3 mm, loosen the lower radiator mounting brackets and verify that the mounts are properly seated. Retighten the brackets and verify the radiator is in a stress-free position.
10. Check air conditioning lines, hoses, and wire harnesses for any ground-out conditions, and repair as necessary. Inspect the area shown in Figures 3-6 for conditions to avoid.
11. Replace the front undershield.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
9711O7A Replace Components As 1.5 Hrs.
Outlined
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
8A297 12
OASIS CODES: 608000, 608400, 703000, 703100