P0071 Ford Contour Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0071 Ford Contour code definition:
P0071 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Ford Contour.

P0071 Ford Contour is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0071 Ford Contour diagnostic trouble code may include:

Blown fuse (if applicable)
Engine surge
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Poor fuel economy

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0071 Ford Contour is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P0071 Ford Contour.

Fortunately, P0071 Ford Contour is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.