1998 Ford Contour: jerking or lurching

Filed Jan 23, 2008 · Engine · 94,600 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. The contact stated that the engine wiring harness insulation failed and caused the wires to touch, which could possibly result in a fire. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty any longer. The contact discovered a recall for the 1995-1997 models for the exact same defect. As a result, the vehicle stalled and had to be towed to his residence. The vehicle jerked and made a beeping noise prior to the failure. The purchase date was unknown. The failure mileage was 94,600 and current mileage was 94,782.

Filed Nov 27, 2005 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · CA

Transmission began to downshift (3->2) hard recently, and I brought it to an automatic transmission specialist who performed several tests and gave it a clean bill of health. ~5,000 mi later while gently slowing to turn left from a major street, it felt as though I had run over some walnut shells. As I began to ease open the throttle to complete the turn, the engine bogged and the car lurched, making some crunching sounds. I coasted to a stop on the side of the road, but the car would not move under its own power or by pushing by hand. Local transmission shops have said the cd4e transmission is notorious for early failure, and that I was lucky to get 102,000 miles from it because many fail by 40,000 miles. They have quoted me repair prices ranging from $1500 to $3500. I am very grateful this failure did not happen while either on the freeway or on a curvy road, as an axle lockup like this would be very dangerous.

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Transmission · 94,400 miles · CA

I purchased the car on october 1, 2004. I was driving the car for about 10 minutes on the freeway I slowed down due to traffic. When I started to take off I felt a jerk when the transmission shifted. My check engine light came on. When I turn off my car and restart it, it does not jerk when it shifts, unless I continue to drive about 10 miles, then it does it again.

Filed Apr 4, 2004 · Transmission · CO

Transmission slips and jerks when shifting.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Transmission · KY

My 1998 contour is at 128,225 miles. The problems that I have experienced with the car are the following: -the headlights go out of aim and moisture collects in the headlamp and when the moisture dries it leaves a film on the inside of the lens. The brightness of the headlights is terrible. I can barely see at night even when it is a clear night. I have had several near misses. I almost hit a man on a bicycle the other night. He had reflectors on his bike but I didn't see him till I was right up behind him. I haven't had this fixed because I can't afford to pay two four hundred dollars for a new pair of headlamps. I have been actually looking in salvage yards. -another thing is the transmission. It shifts out hard between first and second gears. Now it jerks when I go up hills or when I let off of the gas pedal. I figure if I take it to the ford dealership they will tell me that I have to replace it. -the next thing is the drivers seat. The seat track itself has rust on some of the parts. The driver seat is the only one with the rust problem. When you sit in the seat it rocks side to side (from door to center console). This scares me because I read someone else's complaint and he said he was hit from behind and the seat and the track itself broke on him.

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Transmission · 75,500 miles · PA

1998 ford contour se 4cyl VIN [xxx] - 4speed transmission. My wife was driving home from work when the transmission made sudden, erratic, jerky shifts on its own causing the car to pull from side to side and losing control and leaving the road and finally stopping in a field. I had to tow her out. The car now does not move forward, but does has reverse. Further research on the net has revealed other ford/mazda owners have experienced the same transmission failures. I am surprised the federal safety agency has not done anything about these transmissions. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 28, 2003 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · PA

Vehicle intermittently jerks when shifting, sometime very violently. Vehicle has also stalled when negotiating a turn in an intersection. Vibrates often at low speeds (30 MPH), as though it's in too high of a gear for the terrain. Check engine light on intermittently, usually for several days then goes off for a few days before coming back on again. I've gotten two estimates for the repair, both in the neighborhood of $2,500 for a rebuild of my transmission or installation of a re-manufactured transmission. Recently had to have coolant sensor and fuel pressure regulator replaced as a result of regularly occurring check engine light.

Filed Jan 9, 2002 · Transmission · CA

While driving vehicle jerked forward very hard almost losing control of vehicle. Upon stopping and restarting vehicle gear went from park to reverse. Took to dealer. Transmission was replaced. Vehicle continues to do the same thing, jerking. Please provide any further information.

Filed Mar 12, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · MO

First day car was bought engine died, took to dealer, and they gave consumer another contour. Currently, vehcile will shut off in middle of intersection. Dealer replaced transmission, and engine was acting up. *ak consumer states vehicle has been in 3 times for transmission problems, it jerks and vibrates, consumer does not think that dealer replaced transmission like they said. 1 time for engine problems. Consumer has been in 2 accidents due to sudden acceleration. Front sway bar replaced, steering would shimmy and rattle. Blower motor assembly replaced, due to rattling noise in air conditioner, also cycling switch replaced due to air conditioner not cooling. Left front seat belt buckle assembly replaced, belt would not buckle. Starter failed and was replaced. Engine light illuminated, dealer found loose connection at act. Rear struts replaced, noisy.

Filed Nov 7, 2000 · Transmission · NC

Transmission slips and jerks and can't be driven for long periods of time. Cost is 1,500 to fix it. I don't have the money to fix it. This is obviously a factory related problem. I am very displeased with fords.

Filed Oct 1, 2000 · Transmission · PA

I mentioned to the dealership where I purchased my car that when I test drove it, it just seemed to jerk when it would shift. Ken schuck assured me that there was not anything wrong with the car. It did come with a wpc assoc. Limited warranty though if anything would happen it would be covered. Well, my car continued to automatically shift hard and I was allowed to take it to aamco in wmspt. Pa. This was a month ago. They looked at it and said there was nothing wrong with my car. I continued to drive it up until 4 weeks ago and on my way to work "the transmission went." I contacted ken and told him what happened and he said to call the warranty co. And take it to a dealership. Which I did and 4 weeks to this day, they still have it and it's still not repaired! That's at farfield ford pa. 570‑368‑8121. So, between ken, wpc warranty and farfield, I'm not getting my car fixed. Please help me. I know there is recall work that needs done also. Please help me.

Filed Mar 21, 2000 · Transmission · AR

While driving during rain heavy water gets under the transmission, causing it to jerk and shift hard. Also, leaking transmission fluid and a burning smell coming through the heater vents. Contacted dealer and manufacturer. *ak