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1996 Mercury Cougar

Question: Replaced 02 sensor code P0133. Car still running rough at idle only when in gear

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MyMerc, 4.6L V8, Hillsboro, OR, February 09, 2012, 19:11
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 Rookie

Ignition went out so I replaced the ignition switch. Drove a couple days and car would not start. Somehow, the wires for the aftermarket alarm had come apart under the dash and they were spliced into the ignition. Reconnected them and the car started right up. The car started running rough at idle after it would warm up and the check engine light came on. Cod P0133 - 02 sensor bank 1 position 1 slow start. Replaced the 02 sensor. That was a B*@5h. The car is still running very rough at idle but only when it is in gear. It shakes the whole car but not all the time. When it shakes, it feels like I'm in a funny car at the start line. When I shift to neutral, the shaking stops. No lights are on now, and I have tried fuel injector cleaners and treatments. Any help would be appreciated as I am unemployed and can't afford a mechanic.

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  • Answer #1

    Greg's Orange Auto (4512 Answers) , Orange, CA - (714) 769-6971
    globalhelper February 09, 2012, 20:39
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     Master

    i think you have a misfire all the time but it is magnified when put into gear. you need to test all cyl's to determine what cyl is dead. have a friend start car and put it in gear remove each wire from one spark plug one at a time until you find a cyl that does not change the way it runs.as you pull wires it will run worse but the cyl that is bad will not change anything.be careful it can be a shocking experience.when you find that cyl ck spark plug wire and cap. let me know if you need more info

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