1996 Ford Contour Engine problems

I purchased a used 1996 ford contour for my granddaughter and after a few days the check engine light came on. My mechanic diagnosed the problem and fixed it. A few miles down the road it came back on. After further diagnostics it was found that the engine wiring harness was bad. The insulation on the wires was flaking off and in one spot the wire bundle covering had melted. Research on line showed that ford had a recall on this problem (99m03) and extended the recall for 10 years. In an attempt to repair the...

First my engine seemed to overheat a bit then every once in a while it would sound like the engine was grinding on something and wouldn't stop.. Sounded like a bunch of chains in my hood. But then on occasions the stupid thing wouldn't shut off when it was making the chain sound, even with my key out. It just happened again and now the thing smells like something is burning and I have no power what so ever in my vehicle. Before when it finally shut off it sounded like it was about to spark. Then it was making a clicking noise that wasn't cool. *Tr

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled without warning, but restarted immediately. The dealership replaced the catalytic converter. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled 50000 miles later, but would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, who determined the catalytic converter needed to be replaced.

Consumer request help to fix a 1996 contour. *Ts the consumer took the vehicle to be inspected and it failed. The consumer was told by the dept of motor vehicle that the vehicle had been subject to an emission recall as reported by the epa the dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The original owner received a recall notice in 1997 but the consumer never received a recall notice. *Nm

Dt*: the contact stated that the speed control deactivation switch was leaking fluid. There is a nhtsa recall on other ford vehicles. The vin was not included in the recall. When the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, the repair were made for a fee. Also every 25000 miles, the oil pan gasket needed to be changed due a small leak. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the problem. Third, the exhaust and intake manifolds were leaking causing a noxious smell inside the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the same service dealer. The dealer replaced both manifolds, and determined that there was an oil leak dripping onto the exhaust system.

On sunday december 11, 2005 while traveling on the highway I expired a sudden spike in temperature on my 1996 ford crown victoria. After taking my car to a ford dealership I was informed that my "plastic" intake manifold had cracked. I have researched the current investigation and had never received any sort of customer notification from ford. I heard about the manifold issue from a fellow employee. The total cost of repairs for this faulty manifold was $978.00. I feel if they knew they needed to update it with an aluminum manifold than they knew the plastic ones were faulty.*Jb

Consumer has had numerous problems with the 1996 ford contour.*Mr there has been so many recalls on consumer's vehicle that she wasn't aware of because the manufacturer never sent notices. Since then consumer has been paying for entire full price and is asking for reimbursement. However, the biggest problem with the vehicle is the gas fumes which is leaking therefore leaving poisonous carbon monoxide fumes coming in through the heater vents. These harsh chemicals are damaging to the lungs, brain, respiratory system and its making consumer very tired among other symptoms. *Tt

Intake manifold was replaced on 1996 thunderbird in 2000. It is now cracked, and after spending 550.00 To find that out, there is nothing ford will do even though it is on campaign (97m91). Now I can not drive my car.

Car stalls when parallel parking, especially in reverse, or when parking slopes. Car stalled when starting up from red light in center city philadelphia intersections. Headlamps out of alignment (don't shine down onto road, beams not centered). Air bag light on control panels blinks sporadically, frequently; anxiety that air bag will deploy while driving. Dealer comment on stalling: "probably something stupid" and wasn't able to fix problem, mentioned something about a vacuum tube. Dealer charged $95 to tell...

I bought a 1996 ford contour se in june of 2003.I have since replaced the water pump 4 times.I bought the car from a man who blew the engine becuase the water pump went and he let the car over heat.I have replaced it in oct.2003,February 2004,june 2004,and dec.2004.It is really started to become a burden.*Ak

I bought it on 07/01/04. On 07/02/04 my on was driving it, and couple of times, whem he stopped on stop signed, the car wouldn't start. Eventually, in the evening, there was white thick smoke coming from under the hood and car was stopped. I called the dealership and they towed it to the mechanic shop. It happened that there was no oil and coolant and endine has gone bad. The dealer refused to pay completely for the repair, and we split it 20/80% where I'm to pay 80%. It's been 2 weeks and car is still in shop. I didn't buy it to sit in shop. Is there a way to correct the situation somehow?*Ak

Vehicles shuts off frequently. Vehicle won't pass emissions test. It won't start, and has to be towed to the dealer. *Ak

I don't know if any one there can help me, but I just want some one just hear my complaint. I purchase a 96 ford contour in 1999 with very low mileage. A year after I brought that car I begin having problems with that car. It have had 2 transmission. It have had a lot of electrical problems and now yesterday the motor is gone. Over the years I have talk to the ford company but it was always it was not any thing they could do for my car. They should have stood by they cars but they. I first paid to much for the...

Engine failure while accelerating in a passing zone.

Head gasket and engine failure on my 1996 ford contour at 64,000 miles. The car was well taken care of and it happened while I was in a passing zone and the car failed to accelerate. From what I can see over the internet, this is an on-going problem with ford.*Ak

This car has less than 70000 miles on it. We had trouble with the fuel door, front wheel bearings, brakes, door handles, transmission, electric windows, and now as a special treat the engine failed. This car has been the worst investment that my wife and I have ever made. I have have owned several cars and trucks with 200000 plus miles on them and none of them have ever been as problematic as this automobile.

My newest problem that I have with the car now is it stalls at red lights and doesnt start for 45 minute to an hour. I took it to 3 garages already and they can't find the problem.

The consumer stated that while driving the cooling fan seized. This caused the electrical components to melt and result in a fire. *Ak the consumer saw the recall on the internet but later found out the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. The consumer fells the scope of the recall should be expanded. *Ph *nlm

The wiring harness of my 1996 ford contour caught fire. I had prior problems with the vehicle in the past such as tail light going out constantly and also headlights, as well as problems with the o2 sensor. I have put more that$2000 dollars alone on this car just getting it repaired. *Jb

The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of nhtsa recall # 01-v-230-000 which was related to the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades. The consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *Nlm

The engine head gasket failed causing the engine to stop working. *Nlm

While driving the vehicle at 50 mph engine stall. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information as per conversation. Mr

Problem appears to be electrical, change alternator-and this is not problem. Dt

MR

Wiring to cooling system melted. Also, each time consumer takes vehicle to dealer she is told that nothing is wrong with vehicle. *Ak