Cd4e transmission in 1998 ford contour gl (same complaint as the c4de in the mazda 626). Transmission needed to be rebuilt due to the tss sensor breaking and falling inside the transmission - which stopped the pump and caused vehicle to become inoperable. The sensor is in the driver's side fenderwell, where it is exposed to road hazards and environmental conditions. Not a good design. Furthermore, the repair costs $3000 for a new transmission and all this happened because ford put the sensor in a position where it can break and cause significant damage. It's a lousy design. The sensor should be somewhere under the hood - not in the fenderwell.
1997 Ford Contour: complete transmission failure
5 of the 217 complaints about the 1997 Ford Contour describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 43 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Bought car 4months ago, and transmission went out already. Requested test reports from dealer and they have not returned my phone call. Transmission can not be save and it died without warning, well cost 2600.00 to get new one.
We had this vehicle for 3 yrs and during those years we have come across a number of problems with it.after the first few months of purchase the vehicle was unable to shift into the proper gear, it would get stuck on park and we were unable a drive it a number of times.we then problems with the tires in which one of the front tire split , we then replace all four. We then had problems with the heater and front lights. After seeing all the negative reports others have given on this particurlar vehicle online we feel this is a very unsafe vehicle to drive.we have major concerns as to whether we should even put this vehicle on the road without having an investigation done.we took the vehicle to the dealer and we couldn't believe their attitude, they showed no concern to our problem and proceeded to give us a quote for 2200. To get a new transmission. When we asked if there were any recalls on this vehicle they stated no. We then saw a recall on the transmission online, so we contacted ford customer svc in which they then said that our VIN number wasn't included on this recall. We explained that we were having the same problems this recall stated. They in turn called the manager at crowell's who stated that he didn't offer any discount because of our attitudes.he then offer to charge 495.for a new transmission plus 200.for any service charge, also a 28. Per day rental. When we asked why he lowered his price so drastically they stated that if the work was over 2200. That was the amount of the discount(1500.) however, she also stated that if our vehicle was over 75,000 miles it did not apply to us. So we are left with no vehicle to drive no way of paying this amount of money and to our surprise a vehicle with so many recalls it shouldn't to be allow on the road.I feel we should get our money back being that this vehicle is too unsafe for my family to be in.
Transmission failed three times within four months. May 1st, june 26th and august 17th/2000. Each time transmission has been rebuilt.
Ongoing transmission failure. Vehicle has had its 3rd transmission replacement. Please provide further details.
Service bulletins that may apply
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Subject regarding automatic shifter assembly or the indicator housing replacement
- Some vehicles equipped with the CD4E transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after...
- Brake shift interlock
- Some vehicles may exhibit no forward gear ranges due to the misalignment of the forward / coast clutch...
- Some bi-fuel vehicles may require powertrain control module (PCM) replacement during service and may not...
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
- Risk
- This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
Recall number 98V233000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford Contour transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1997 Ford Contour?
5 of 217 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Contour (2%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford Contour?
There is 1 recall and 43 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford Contour
Headlights 10Fire or smoke 9Stalling 9Check engine light 8Grinding brakes 6
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