1996 Ford Contour: sudden loss of power

Filed Apr 4, 2011 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · MI

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

Filed Jul 19, 2005 · Electrical · 135,000 miles · FL · fire

The problem started on the incident date, wire problem cause the entire fan/AC/heater panel so no longer work, the wire got so hot hot it melted our under-dash fuse box, we went for 9 months and a baby with no A/C in hot and no heat in the cold, husband(josh murphy) went to junk yard after being turned away by dealership and got replacement parts off an identical car. That was in june of 2005. On that date we saw that all of the wires under the hood were severely cracked and damaged after eltrcial taping a few of the exposed wired there became a short that now cuases a computer problem and a loss of power then trying to accelerate anf pull into traffic, or just anytime it wants to. The over-drive light comes on and transmission starts to get really jerky and the odometer and everything else in the panal starts to malfunction, most of the time we dont even know how fast we are going or how many miles we have gone. We have a 18 month old and a new baby due in just weeks and I am scared that one time when I go to pull out the car just isnt going to go at all and we might get hit by someone, o and sometimes it just turns itself off in traffic too. The deaalership tell me that all of those wires were replaced in 2000 but they should have made it longer that 4 years without degenerating again. The local dealership also tells me that I would have to just pay for the work and being a new family we cannot afford something like that, especially since it was a recall item at one time. Please there has to be something done about this, I know we are not the only 96 ford contour owners with this exact problem either.

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Steering · WI

While attempting to make a right turn steering wheel was hard to turn. Brake pedal was hard. Consumer restarted vehicle, and vehicle went back to normal. Consumer feels it is dangerous to lose power. Please provide any further information.

Filed Feb 7, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

I got this car in april 96. I have had it in the shop several times because the car just completely loses power without any warning at all. It locks up the steering and brakes. It happens at all speeds and in varying temperatures. They have never been able to find the problem. The most recent episode was jan 14, 2001. Sometimes I have to tow the car, other times it will start back up. This last time it started back up after about 5 minutes. Fortunately, other drivers have been paying attention, and I haven't been killed. This car has also experienced: check engine light always on...dealer cannot find problem, but charges $110 to diagnose it each time!....the accelerator pedal cable broke in 2000. Again, fortunately, I was in my neighborhood and no cars nailed me. The paint on this car is beginning to peel/crack even though it is garage kept. I have had to put 3 sets of brakes on this car...have also had the dash and tail lights go out (which they did fix) also the AC knob broke (which they fixed) I have taken it in for all known recalls. Ford has never responded to my concerns about the complete power loss I keep experiencing and the dealer just suggests totally useless repairs that cost alot and do not solve the problem.

Filed Sep 5, 2000 · Engine · TX

Loss of power while traveling. Problem have occurred on several occasions, and been in / out of dealer's shop on several occasions, and still unable to find cause or duplicate the problem. Please provide any further details.

Filed Sep 7, 1999 · Electrical · NJ

On-going / intermittent problem with vehicle shutting off due to loss of electrical powe; whenever vehicle ran over a water puddle it caused loss of power, which shut down everything. This condition could cause an accident. Dealer notifed and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer. Seeking help or provoide additional information from the federal safety agency in this matter.

Filed Aug 21, 1999 · Electrical · PA · fire

Ignition wire under cowl severed by windshield wiper components that caused engine shutdown, loss of power assist to brakes and steering, battery discharge and blown fuses.

Filed Jul 14, 1999 · Visibility · WI

While driving at 55 MPH, the heater core blew out, and the consumer lost all power/leaked anti-freeze.

Filed Aug 10, 1998 · Engine, Suspension · LA

When traveling at any speed the vehicle cuts off without prior warning, causing loss of all power. In addition, the steering wheel shakes when traveling over 60 MPH, resulting in poor steering control. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jul 21, 1998 · Steering · MD

When driving through puddles there is a loss of power steering. Dealer says it needs a splash shield kit.

Filed Feb 21, 1996 · Engine · CA

While driving, the engine shuts down, causing car to lose power. Please describe.