1998 Ford Contour: won't start

Filed Dec 9, 2006 · Electrical · 107,556 miles · FL

I have a 1998 ford contour svt, this is my third one. Every one I purchase has the same problem, the wires in the wire harness for the computer and car crack and the coating just falls right off, which allows the wires to the computer to touch which shorts the computer and makes the car no longer start, it will crank but it will not start cause the computer in shorted and confused so there is no fuel and no spark going to the fuel rail or the coil pack. At this point the car needs a wire harness and a PCM and this all costs close to $3000 of which I do not have to fix it. My friend worked for general electric and he said he has seen this before at the factory when the coating is heated to high once it drys its only a matter of time before the coating cracks and flakes off. Ford says they will not help me although its a consistent problem with these svt contours I am hoping this can help all us ford lovers.

Filed Oct 3, 2006 · Electrical · 135,150 miles · TX

Dt*: the contact stated without warning, the vehicle would not start. It was towed to an independent repair shop, who determined the engine harness, cooling fan harness, and power distribution box wiring needed to be replaced.

Filed Nov 2, 2005 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · IA

Dt: the contact received the federal safety agency recall 01v230000 . The dealership said that they did not want to fix the recall at this time because there was no problem, and it required them to remove the entire dashboard. She did not start experiencing a problem until 2005. The blower did not work all the time. The new owner of the dealership did not want to do the recall repair. The manufacturer said that the vine was included in the recall, however it expired. They said that the time frame for the recall was either the first six years after the vehicle was manufactured or 72,000 miles. Therefore, the repairs have not been done because of the time limit.

Filed Jul 27, 2003 · Fuel system · 32,000 miles · MN

After going through two fuel pumps, first pump went at 32000 miles and the second around 62000, I have had extreme problems with the fuel pump. Now, my car doesn't start on its own very often. I have to wiggle the fuel pump under the backseat in order to start the car. I have, on occasion, had the engine die while traveling down the freeway or in the middle of an intersection. Once the fuel pump was wiggled, the car started again and I was on my way. I took my car to a well trusted mechanic and he told me that ford doesn't have any parts to fix the very loose pipe that runs into the fuel pump. I am very concerned about this issue and feel that my car may stall and cause myself and others great danger. Please help.

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Engine · AR

Vehicle would not start. Vheicle was towed to garage and a mechanic stated that flywheel needed replacement. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jul 24, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · IN

The vehicle stalled intermittently without warning. One day the vehicle stalled 12 times. The engine light has been illuminated since purchased. Nlm the vehicle stalled the second day the consumer ever drove it. The blower on the A/C and heater failed. On one occasion the vehicle wouldn't start. It turned out the problem was with the alarm system.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Mar 13, 2002 · Fuel system · IL

Fuel pump went out and consumer found out by trying to start vehicle. However, vehicle would not start up. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

Filed Aug 24, 2001 · Engine · CA

Vehicle stalls for no reason. Consumer will go to start vehicle, and it will not start. When going in low speed or coming to a complete stop vehicle stalls. Sometimes when trying to pull off vehicle stalls. Contacted dealer.

Filed Jul 9, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

While driving at about 5mph and making a right turn right front wheel came off due to loose lugs: nuts. Dealer has seen vehicle. *ak consumer states the vehicle has experienced problems with the following: fuel filter, spark plugs, transmission, cv boot, brakes, air filter, wire, rotors need turning, timing gear, timing belt, and vehicle will not start.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Electrical · TX

Vehicle was parked and wouldn't start. Ignition switch damaged key. Dealership was aware of problem.

Filed Jul 20, 1999 · Electrical · MA

Car will not start.