My car was recalled in 2001. The past 6 mo my electrical system smells like its burning or something melting. Almost like its going to catch on fire
1996 Ford Contour electrical problems
119 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 103,000.
- owner complaints
- 119
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 103,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers19
- Wiring17
- Wiring: front underhood15
- Alternator/generator/regulator15
- Wiring: interior/under dash12
- 12v/24v/48v battery10
- Ignition7
- Ignition: switch6
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Contour electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Ford Contour electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
- Risk
- The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V230000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
EA01001
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
PE00023
What 1996 Ford Contour owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The wire harness motor, transmission and fuel injection are bad ,and was stationary 5 year ago like many many many contours and mistyques in my country , I need a solution please, couse responsability is from ford company in all the world. Thank you. I am in mexico.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, it would fail to start due to a melted wire in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the odometer failed to provide the accurate reading. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Car was purchased from a used car dealer on 8/11/15. The car has 58606 miles on it. The transmission had to be replaced due to electrical issues caused by a faulty wiring harness. Wiring harness was under the owner notification and not repaired. Ford has not offered any type of assistance and mechanic says the car is a fire hazard and harness has to be replaced. Contacted ford who said the car was not under any type of recall and they no longer make the part.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the taillight and front panel failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
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 problem with a different wiring harness has proved to be a loosing battle I contacted ford and they said that they no longer build this part and that they had no parts in stock throughout the USA. I tried salvage yards and there are no good parts out there. How can a used car lot sell cars without looking into safety recalls on the vehicles. I have no recourse but to junk the car and take a $3000 loss. Is there any help out there?
My car had been having many issues .fixing what we thought were the problem we found that the electrical connected to the cooling fan was melted as well as many problems in wire harnesses in front of engine.. It is very apparent the wiring is defective and caused melting n burn wires throughout the wiring system. I have had 4 mechanics look at it and was told by all that this make n model is very well known for this electrical issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. While parked, the contact smelled smoke and noticed flames near the rear of the radio and the center column that divided the front and rear driver side doors. The contact was able to extinguish the flames herself. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v230000 (electrical system) that could possibly have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated the failure affected the exterior lighting and interior lighting of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 62,922.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. While operating the vehicle in reverse, the contact noticed that the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the wiring harness was corroded and cracked. The mechanic confirmed that the vehicle needed to be repaired. The vehicle was included in recall number: 01v230000 (electrical system); however, since the recall had expired the dealer was not willing to offer any assistance. They advised the contact to locate a wiring harness at a junk yard for installation. The contact did not inform the manufacturer nor was the vehicle repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Updated 5/2/11 *cn updated 1/11/11
I have a ford contour (1996 sport w/2.5 v6..nearly all of the wiring under the hood either has broken or no insulation on it. Some times the temperature light comes on...today the electric cooling fan smoked then blew a fuse. I've never seen wiring like this. I expect better from ford than this..this car just turned over to 72000 miles....this car is a total fire hazard.....I've owned ford cars and trucks all my life but if nothing can be done about this car it will be the last ford I buy..this wiring should be against the law. I wonder if the safety team knows about this.
Questions about the 1996 Ford Contour electrical
Does the 1996 Ford Contour have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 119 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Ford Contour, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Contour electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 103,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Contour electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 01V230000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Contour have the most electrical problems?
The Ford Contour model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (180 complaints), 1998 (130 complaints) and 1996 (119 complaints).
Other 1996 Ford Contour problems
Engine 124Transmission 76Lights 72Brakes 49Visibility 41Suspension 38Acceleration 31Fuel system 30Steering 30Airbags 25Body 15Seat belts 14Wheels 7Locks 5Seats 3Tires 3Driver assistance 1
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