1997 Ford Contour Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Vehicle Driveability Computer Relearn Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 24 other vehicles, including the 1998 Mercury Villager, 1998 Mercury Tracer, 1998 Mercury Sable, 1998 Mercury Mystique, and 1998 Mercury Mountaineer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If vehicle battery is disconnected for 5 minutes or more, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Keep Alive Memory (KAM) will be cleared. KAM is the vehicle operating parameters that are stored in the PCM. Clearing KAM will cause a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1000 to set. To clear DTC P1000, OBD-II drive cycle must be performed and completed. Purpose of the drive cycle is to execute each OBD-II monitor and identify any OBD-II concerns. To perform OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE, see DRIVE CYCLES under ADDITIONAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS in the appropriate TESTS W/CODES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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