10th May 2011, 20:52
I just bought a 1998 Ford Contour. I wish I would have checked your message board. It seems like the car doesn't likes women.
Starting it is very interesting to say the least. It seems like the engine wants to jump out of the hood and takes a long time if it turns over at all. The battery died twice doing this. Then the valet, mechanic and son in law starts it easier. Changed the spark plugs, wires, oil, water pump, alternator, radiator and it still runs rough and I don't know what the deal is with the overdrive.
I just love our 94 Mustang. I wish it was more similar, pretty much just regular maintenance and it's always ready to go quick on the start up and go.
13th May 2011, 08:32
There are more little and cheap things to do with a car of that age: check for vacuum leaks or replace all vacuum lines, clean throttle body, clean MAF sensor, give it a "Seafoam" treatment to remove carbon deposits, check fuel pressure.
Good luck!
3rd Jul 2011, 01:18
Do you know how long the recall is in effect for? Do recalls have an expiration time?
29th May 2012, 08:34
Hi, I have a Ford Contour, and while I love mine, it has a ton of front suspension issues. The issue you described sounds like a tie-rod, and it's important to have it fixed or you risk losing control of the car when it breaks. The repair should be relatively inexpensive; just somewhere a bit over $100. Good luck!
30th May 2012, 18:33
Changing a tie rod end is an incredibly easy job. I changed one on the side of the road after it broke (luckily I was able to stop safely and stop in a safe place). It is usually a good idea to check the alignment after installing the new end, although if you count the threads and screw the new one in the exact same amount (as I did), it is not even necessary to do that. Paying $100 to have this done is a huge waste of money. The part costs way less than that.
29th Sep 2009, 13:15
Bought a 1998 contour, 6 cylinder for my daughter in 2006. Replaced the starter, battery, front tires and driver's window motor in 3 years. Then this month, Sept 2009, I've had to spend about $1200 on electrical repairs of one kind or another. Plus the drivers windows won't roll down again. The computer also won't hold codes anymore so I can't get it inspected because there is no data stored for them to check. Basically these cars are a gamble and mine is starting to be a big loss.
Russell