1995 Ford Contour: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Engine · MI

I was rear-ended earlier this year and took my car in to the dealership for bumper replacement. Dealership did not inform me that ford discontinued my bumper model, so they repaired it instead of replacing it -- without my permission! Silver plastic strip that runs through center of bumper was re-installed as-is - cracked - since bumper was not being made anymore and new part wasn't available. Both horns were replaced, in spite of rarely being used. Rubber window strips loosen, pop up easily. One power window in rear can only go down about 6 inches, squeaking terribly as it moves down; too expensive to fix. Outer gas door release sticks. Both methods of opening the door (floor lever and trunk strap) stopped working this year. Paid for repair at dealership, but both methods stopped working again after a few days. I now have to open up my trunk every time I go to the gas station, pull the release strap and rap lightly on the outer door in order for it to pop open. I am scheduled for a new repair in a few days at the dealership for rough idle and stalling. Problem involves mass air flow sensor and/or PCM, and is detailed in tsb article no. 98-20-7. Had contacts cleaned on radiator tank and driver's door panel (beeping signal for when door opens and key is left in ignition stopped working). Had complete tune-up at dealership this summer, with mileage at only 40,000. Driver's side speaker wire has loosened, with sound drifting in and out depending on bumps hit on the road. Driver's door lock collapsed inside keyhole. Lock cylinders are only available in sets of five, so all five of my lock cylinders had to be replaced by dealership. Replacement cylinder on my glove compartment vibrates too much while driving. Reverse lights stopped working. Wiring had to be repaired. Paint is thin and scratches easily, even from non-abrasive contact. Driver's window opens all the way, sliding down at a quick speed. Very indifferent treatment by dealership.

Filed Jul 20, 2001 · Seat belts, Steering · GA

The drivers side window grinds when going up, the glass tracks are uneven going up causing the rear edges to come out of the track, the dealer has replaced the regulator and motor 5 times, the consumer believes this defect is an engineering flaw, the consumer is requesting reimbursement. Nlm

Filed Jan 3, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · IA

Driving down interstate, airconditioner went out, smelled something melting, smoke from under hood when opened, told it was air, could drive, blew 2 head gaskets due to cooling system not working, cost over 600$. Fan only runs on high and low. Heater motor going out. Manual transmission slips out of gear while driving. Back doors squeak really loud, and oil don't work. Check engine light on always. Airbag lights on always. Back seat belt broke. Altonator going out. Radiator leaks then stops, leaks then stops. Fan makes a loud noise when running.

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Body · TX

Both rears doors squeak, have tried wd40;machine oil;silicon lubricant, very loud

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Acceleration · CO

The engine RPM's do not drop fast enough to enable a smooth gear change. I complained about this problem when the car was new but they said nothing was wrong. Now it has 125000 on it and still does the same thing. The engine RPM's do not drop fast enough to enable a smooth gear change. If you try to change gears before the engine has slowed down the gears will grind. You have to hold the clutch in for 3 - 4 seconds before you are able to make a smooth gear change. If you are trying to accelerate up to highway speeds and have to wait so long in between shifts it is hard to accelerate smoothly and quickly which can get a person rear ended around here while attempting to enter the interstate. Also the heat that comes from under the hood is very hot, and has caused the paint on the hood to start cracking. The engine has never overheated, and has never been above the halfway point in the normal engine operating range (according to the guage). But the heat has caused the paint on the hood to crack. I also recieved a recall notice from ford to have the wiring harness under the hood in the engine compartment replaced but when I called phil long ford in colorado springs I was told that out vehicle had to many miles on it and therfore did not qualify for the new wiring harness under the hood in the engine compartment. On the recall notice it states that the faulty wiring harness can cause a fire, and is due to the high heat present under the hood. Ford has still refused to replace it due to the high mileage.

Filed Nov 8, 1998 · Suspension · ME

Only when turning right over bumpy road. 10-20 MPH. The suspension(?) makes a grinding/chaffing noise.

Filed Apr 15, 1998 · Suspension, Transmission · NY

Rear sway bar squeaking, front left spring broke and axle broken.

Filed Mar 20, 1998 · Brakes · ID

While driving vehicle about any MPH the consumer has been having problems with the brakes when he stops, the vehicle does stop, but heard a grinding noise like a metal to metal. He took vehicle to shop, and they said had found that inside pads were wearing out and the outside pad did not. Rotors had been also having problems.

Filed Aug 29, 1996 · Brakes · CA

Brake failure continuous replacement of rotors and pads, when driving vehicle makes grinding noise.

Filed Jun 9, 1995 · Steering · LA

When the car is driven through a puddle the water splashs up under the car and causes a squeaking noise and the power steering goes out. Please explain. Tt