Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. While driving approximately 35 MPH the vehicle lost all power. The contact was able to coast onto the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who stated that the vehicle had severe electrical problems and suggested that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer. The dealer advised the contact that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage were 92,000.
1998 Ford Contour: sudden loss of power
10 of the 844 complaints about the 1998 Ford Contour describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 43 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
Consumer stated that the temperature gauge system was defective. Vehicle lost power, and began to smoke. Consumer was told that the wiring of the temperature gauges was done incorrectly. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that there was nothing that they could do.*ak the vehicle's engine was damaged and had to be replaced as a result of the overheating.
When driving slowly through a puddle the car can experience a sudden, temporary loss of power steering. This results in difficulty controlling the car.
While driving at highway speed vehicle started to lose power. Towed to dealer, dealer stated engine needed replacing. Please provide any further information.
Our 98 contour check engine light comes on and stays on when this happens the car stalls at about 40 MPH or less. Took to dealership they ran a diagnostic on vehicle said it was the oxygen sensor . Engine light goes off and vehicle seems to run alright for awhile then engine comes back on and the stalling of the engines starts up again. Sister has the same car it is a 1996 ford contour her vehicle does the same thing she took hers in they told her the same thing that it is the oxgen sensor. Also have talked to several other people who have the contour they have had the same problem. This seems to be a very common occurence with this vehicle. When it stalls you lose all power can be dangerous if turning a corner or curve in road. My car finally stalled again and now it will not start stalled at about 40mph was onexiting highway had no break power or power steering.this could end up being potentially dangerous problem and have complained to ford motor company they seem to be unresponsive.
Block eater fell out and burned cylinders. However, engine locked up and lost all power. Please provide any further information.
Power steering failed while driving through deep puddle. Cause determined to be water splashing on belt and pulley, causing slippage and temporary loss of power steering. Dealer offered to install revised splash guard (tsb) under warranty.
Drove through puddle, lost power steering assist.
When driving at any speed the automatic transmission floor shift lever was damaged, and the vehicle lost power. Also, the paint on the vehicle has acid rain in it.
Das tank deformed, resulting in loss of power/stalling. In addition. In addition, stuttering of engine due to false gas gauge readings.
Service bulletins that may apply
- The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) P1380, P1381,...
- Vehicles without the coolant lock-off may exhibit a no start condition
- Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant...
- Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure
- Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or EGR diagnostic trouble codes 332, P0401, P1407...
- Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing...
- Some vehicles may illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp or run rough after the catalyst is removed and...
- Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Ford Contour loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 1998 Ford Contour?
10 of 844 owner complaints about the 1998 Ford Contour (1%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Ford Contour?
There are 0 recalls and 43 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Ford Contour
Coil spring 68Airbag light 43Stalling 43Check engine light 33Headlights 31Fire or smoke 21Grinding brakes 20Transmission failure 17No deployment 16Overheating 15ABS 14Won't start 14Engine failure 13Jerking 13Slipping 13Brake failure 8Fuel leak 8Power steering loss 8Sudden acceleration 8Fuel pump 7Seat belt 7Tire blowout 7Knocking 6Fuel gauge 6Adaptive cruise 5Pulling 5
VIN decoder
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