Abrupt loss of steering power when driving through puddles, recurring issue. Found description after internet search (tsb 97-11-2). Date cited is most recent event. Dealer and ford acknowledge issue but will not install kit to prevent recurrence at their expense.
1995 Ford Contour: loss of power steering
20 of the 891 complaints about the 1995 Ford Contour describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
- 19988
- 19972
- 19962
- 199520
What owners say
When driving through water there is a loss of steering for a short time.has been this way since new.we are older now & it is much more difficult to control the vehicle.I read where you had had the same complaint several times.when you look under lright front of car you can see why this happens.the belt drive pulley is exposed so that water is splashed on it.wonder how many fatal accidents this has caused.
Thermostat goes up to the red. Then, power steering went out. Consumer pulled over and let car sit for a while. Gas tank has been replaced, wiring harness problem.
Driving through small puddles can throw water on the drive belt for the power steering pump. A gap in the front wheel well liner allows the water to be thrown on the belt. The problem is more common when turning right. The belt slips and all power steering is lost. If the driver is not aware of the problem soon enough, the car will not be able to turn fast enough to avoid an accident. Other contour owners have experienced this problem. It is especially dangerous for women and older people that may not have the arm strength to turn the car after a sudden loss of power steering.
I was driving my 1995 ford contour when I lost my power steering. I pulled to the side of the highway to check my power steering fluid. The fluid container was empty. I brought the car to firestone service to check the problem. I received a call from the mechanic asking if I had transmission work done on the car. I indicated I did in 9/97 when the ford dealer, rittenhouse-kerr, replaced the original trans under ford warranty. I asked him why he was asking about the trans when it was the power steering that was inoperative. He informed me three bolts that hold the trans to the motor mount where missing and that caused the trans to damage the axle which caused the power steering line to be cut resulting in the loss of power steering. He suggested I bring the car back to the ford dealer for repair. Rittenhouse-kerr acknowledged the bolts where missing but could not give a reasonable explanation why. I suggested they were defective or not put in properly. The dealer would not take responsibilty for the failure of the bolts. I then called ford on several occassions and though courteous, they essentially told me to take it up with the dealer. I then brought the car to another mechanic to get repaired. I had the power steering line and axle replaced but could not get the trans attached to the engine mount. The mechanic explained there are three bolts (ford part number w500034-s303) that hold the trans to the engine mount. In two of the three openings where the bolts thread into the trans, there were parts of broken bolts in them and the third had stripped threads preventing the bolt from holding. I contacted the dealer and ford again. Neither would acknowlegde responsibility. If useful, I have pictures I can provide. Your assistance in looking into this unsafe situation is appreciated. Also, did ford have a recall on trans bolts for the 1993 taurus model?
Experienced loss of steering, brakes, & electrical while driving vehicle in wet conditions.
Whenever vehicle is driven in wet conditions ,water would get onto power steering belt, causing the belt to slip on the pulley, resulting in power steering failure. Dealer notified, and mfr is awear of defect and has a corrective kit. Dealer refuses to do repairs unless cost goes to consumer.
Transmission slipping/failing to engage in overdrive. Also, loss of power steering when it rains.
Power steering failed while making a right hand, resulting in loss of control.
When going over a puddle in the road the power steering belt gets wet, causing the vehicle to lose power steering.
Power steering failure.
Passing through a puddle caused vehicle to lose power steering.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Battery light illumination and decreased power steering assist may occur when the vehicle is driven...
- Open fuse 30 may be caused by interference between the instrument cluster flex circuit & the lh side...
- Steering- 'thump' on hard acceleration or while turning - power steering return hose contacts cv boot...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1995 Ford Contour power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1995 Ford Contour?
20 of 891 owner complaints about the 1995 Ford Contour (2%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1995 Ford Contour?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1995 Ford Contour
Overheating 66Fire or smoke 44Stalling 42Coil spring 36Headlights 21ABS 20Loss of power 20Engine failure 19Check engine light 18Won't start 18Brake failure 15Jerking 15Fuel leak 13Seat belt 13No deployment 11Grinding brakes 10Door locks 10Transmission failure 10Airbag light 8Fuel smell 8Tire blowout 8Fuel pump 6Adaptive cruise 5Slipping 5
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