1996 Ford Contour: won't start

Filed Jul 16, 2004 · Engine · 106,035 miles · CA

I bought it on 07/01/04. On 07/02/04 my on was driving it, and couple of times, whem he stopped on stop signed, the car wouldn't start. Eventually, in the evening, there was white thick smoke coming from under the hood and car was stopped. I called the dealership and they towed it to the mechanic shop. It happened that there was no oil and coolant and endine has gone bad. The dealer refused to pay completely for the repair, and we split it 20/80% where I'm to pay 80%. It's been 2 weeks and car is still in shop. I didn't buy it to sit in shop. Is there a way to correct the situation somehow?

Filed May 4, 2004 · Engine · 1,200 miles · WI

Vehicles shuts off frequently. Vehicle won't pass emissions test. It won't start, and has to be towed to the dealer.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · PA

My newest problem that I have with the car now is it stalls at red lights and doesnt start for 45 minute to an hour. I took it to 3 garages already and they can't find the problem.

Filed Jan 18, 2001 · Electrical, Lights · NY

Whenever starting vehicle or even driving electrical system would start acting up. Windshield wipers would go on by themselves, have not been turned on. Lights, interior & exterior, would go out. Ignition will not start vehicle sometimes.also, would hear a clicking noise. Did not have a battery problems. Heater blower failed to work. No recalls on vehicle for electrical problems.

Filed Sep 8, 2000 · Electrical · FL

What exactly are they recalling on the 1996-1998 ford contour? Is it the whole car or just the electric system? Is that considered the wiring harness? The reason we're so interested is because we've had many major problems with our 1996 ford contour. We sent our car to the ford of ocala,fl for the wiring harness recall, and they gave us a very hard time about fixing it. They were trying to get us to replace parts that weren't even bad, at the cost of $400.00 for one part. But then they said there was a whole list of things that were wrong with it, and after they fixed each of these parts, if our car still didn't start, then they'd get to fixing the wiring harness. We had 2 mechanics check these parts and they weren't bad at all. It took them 2 and a half weeks before they gave us our car back.then when we got it back, we had to take it to our regular mechanic who said they wired it wrong, and left the wiring to the air-conditioning and the alternator undone. That was 2 months ago, and we just had to replace our alternator. The mechanic that fixed the alternator said they did a lousy job, because half the wiring wasn't even done right. There is wiring in our car that is bare, and he said it could cause our car to catch on fire. Also, the wiring leading to the alternator is bare, which he said most likely shorted out the alternator. So now we need to have the wiring redone, and all of this has cost us hundreds of dollars. This car is the worst car ever made, we've had nothing but problems with it from the day we gotit! We had the air fixed, and after they did the recall, the air no longer worked anymore. Also, after they worked on the recall, there are many wires that are still cracked and brittle, and left bare. The wiring to the battery is completely bare, also, and we've had to replace the battery 3 times since we've had the car. The seatbelt locks up while driving where it is so tight I can't move at all.we're afraid it will catch fire! Also more problems!

Filed Nov 14, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · MO

Have had numerous problems: interior/brake lights failed to light. Replaced switch twice. Fuel filler door will not open with latch inside. Never worked. Cigarette lighter failed. Power window on driver's side has failed. Car intermittently will not start due to drained battery. Mechanic could find no cause for this related to alternator/charging system of car. Never able to fix this. Trunk leaks water around seal. Abs light keeps coming on . Mechanic could find no problem with ABS. Air conditioner/heater would only blow out defrost setting. Also bad smell comes from AC when on. Rear seat belts keep jamming; not able to use sometimes because they won't come out. Worst problem so far: transmission has failed. Not yet fixed. I loved this car once, now I hate it! The whole thing should be recalled.

Filed Aug 19, 1999 · Lights · AL

Received manufacturer's recall 99s-14; ford/head light switch/wiring harness. Took vehicle in for repairs,three days later vehicle would not start; contacted dealer and informed of problem. Dealer informed consumer not to bring vehicle in because consumer refused to pay $48.00 for fuses for clock and radio. Seeking help from the federal safety agency in this matter.

Filed Dec 10, 1997 · Engine · GA

Intermittent stalling/doesn't start right up. After starting, the vehicle runs roughly for 10-15 seconds, then stalls.

Filed May 24, 1996 · Electrical · GA

Experienced intermittent failure of ignition switch, upon turning key, engine won't start, instead windshield wipers movedwithout engaging wiper switch.