While driving back from chicago on i55, the water pump (which supposedly had a recall of which I was not notified) went out. Warning lights did not appear anywhere on the dashboard, and the only indication that anything might be wrong was a whining sound under the hood which stopped after a short interval. Within an hour, the entire car was destroyed. A new engine, water pump, electrical system, and radiator needed to be replaced. All of that is still being done, two weeks later. They have done the work without charge, and have given me a rental car to use in the meantime, however, with a new engine, they are only willing to give me a 9,000 mile warranty on the car repaired. Since this was not my fault, a fairly new car, and a lack of communication on the ford manufacturer that this was a problem, I feel that a full warranty on the repairs is justified. Additionaly, at the time of this occurrence, I had four middle school students in my care. The thought that the car could have quit in the middle of a six land traffic pattern in chicago without warning, would have been a disastrous accident with all of us possibly being killed. I think that the ford manufacturer needs to deal with this problem and immediately. Thank you. Ginger granger
1998 Ford Contour electrical complaints
Page 5 of 5: complaints 101 to 130 of 130, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Starter relay failed.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
While driving vehicle oil light came on. Engine stalled out. Noticed a reflection of flames on the ground. Lifted hood of vehicle & noticed the engine was on fire. Driver put flames out. The alternator was just replaced, twice, prior to fire. Was no warning.
While driving at interstate speeds our alternator wire melted off at the connection to the alternator. The alternator, the wire and a 175 amp fuse were all bad. A replacement alternator could not be found in less than 2 days so the original alternator was rebuilt. I have in my possesion the blown 175 amp fuse and the melted alternator wire. This is the second time an electrical wire has melted on our 1998 contour. It is the third time we have been stranded. Ford has a service bulletin for this type of problem with the correction being, replace the alternator and the wire on contours with the 2.5l engine.
While driving down the the road starter engaged. I stopped the car off the roadway and turned off the car. The starter continue to turn the engine as if I was cranking the car. I removed all fuses that were related to the starting systems of the car. The starter continued to crank the engine until it caught fire. The fire was at the starter the best I could tell under the engine intake . Other items damaged unknown. I have been having problems with the battery going week over the past month. This morning the battery was completely dead. Last drove 2 days prior.
While starting vehicle blew up, causing the connectors / vehicle to melt. Consumer was hurt.
4 recalls-that I know of- now this problem-will stall sometimes
Driver's side seat belt locked up, had to untwist belt to use it. Also, rear window fell out, nothing had hit it/ignition key switch would rattle when inserting key & taking it out, and sun roof lock was not working. Sunroof could not be opened or closed . Taking vehicle to dealer to check problems.
There is a short within the electrical system, causing the horn, brinker's and brake light's not to work. Also, all the rubber has fallen off the door panel, and the driver's side shoulder belt doesn't retract.
Electrical smell and smoke came from dash area. Wife and 2 children abandoned car. Car was serviced at dealer in georgia. Two days after first repair same electrical smell and smoke. Wife and two children abondoned car for a second time. Wife is concerned over childrens safety. Taken to second dealer. Service manager observed problem while he was driving vehicle. Smoke was coming from dash. Dealer quickly opened glove box. Vehicle was repaired at no charge the second time. Problem was with wiring harness. Neither the dealer nor ford has informed me of root cause. Am concerned problem can again occur without warning. Have read similar complaints to the federal safety agency. Desire to know root cause, and fix to assure safety of family.
Whenever ignition is turned off, it would lock up. Key would still be in ignition switch. Had turned to lock position while nothing was in use at the time. Been to dealer 4 or 5 times for problem, but mechanic could not locate cause of problem.
Unable to fill tank up with gas due to a defective fuel tank pressure sensor.
While driving dash caught fire right behind the glove compartment. Fire was electrical. Dealer replaced wiring harness and 3 resistor boards.
Whenever the automobile is driven through a puddle of water or upon prolonged driving on a wet road, the power steering locks up. When this occurs, the power steering remains locked for several seconds up to over one minute before returning to normal. These conditions also cause the "battery" light to illuminate. I returned the vehicle to the dealer in approximately june 1998, but their fix action "replacing a headlight wiring assembly" did not appear to address the problem and the problem reoccurred immediately the next time that the autombile was driven on a rainy day. Upon returning the automobile a second tme, I was informed by both a service technician and a service manager that this is a problem that the ford company is aware of but is making no attempt to inform the automobile owners until they actually experience the problem.
Car will not start.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Consumer turned air conditioner on and smoke came from knob area. Inside of knob had melted cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Ther e is a problem within the electrical system which causes signal and brake lights to malfunction. Dealer is aware of the problem, and vehicle has been at dealer four times for repairs.
When the horn is in use it fails to work properly when pressed. Has taken vehicle to dealer for repairs, which were not done. Had contacted the dealer, again, and was informed that parts had to be ordered.
Fuse for computer failed. Yh
Starter failed. Yh
The replacement of ignition key is very difficult and expensive to obtain, contains chip necessary to start vehicle. Mjs
Computer board has a programming error, causing the vehicle to stall out and not register. Manufacturer contacted and is aware of the problem. Stated that the software package will be available in mid 2/99. As of 18 feb 99 parts still not received.
Consumer took vehicle in for a mfr. Recall repairs , under dash fire broke out while in the dealer shop for repairs; needs help on this matter.
Fuse box can be opened and the fuses can not be reached. Dealer states that's the way it was installed.
When pumping gas was difficult to start vehicle. A clicking noise was heard. New gas tank was installed. Front and rear brakes were knocking and squealing. Replaced three times. Sunroof motor went out. Replacement made. Also, starter problems occurred. Dealer contacted and repairs were made but problem still exists. Provide further information.
When driving at any speed the air bag light keeps coming on, and the the horn doesn't work. Also, the horn is very hard when trying to press it. Dealer repaired the horn, and the problem is back, and they can't determine the problem.
Ignition allowed driver to pull key out of ignition while automobile was still in drive-. The automobile rolled backward when driven even if the key was out of ignition.
While driving electrical system malfunctioned, causing headlights/tail lights/interior lights to go out, which almost cause an accident. Cause unknown. Currently at dealer awaiting parts. Please provide further information.
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