1999 Ford Contour: won't start

Filed Apr 30, 2013 · Fuel system · 52,238 miles · CA

The fuel pump failed frequently while driving, usually uphill. Car would stall and sometimes restart, creating a hazard when on the freeway. Eventually the fuel pump failed completely. My mechanic replaced it, having to retrofit the gas tank in order for the pump to be installed, removing certain fittings. The filler grommet was defective, and after the fuel pump was fixed and refueling was taking place, gasoline poured out of the tank and the car had to be returned to the mechanic. The replacement fuel pump failed about 10 months later, in sept. 2011. At that time, the car had been working fine the night before and wouldn't start in the morning. Ford will only guarantee the original replacement, so if the replacement had failed after more than two months, ford wouldn't have replaced the part. The driver's side window motor has broken three times. I have also had trouble with the air intake system, which causes a whine whenever the car is started cold. This is irritating, but doesn't seem to cause any difficulty with the operation of the car. The dashboard was recalled, a cheap plastic piece placed over the vents, which ruined the look of the dashboard. I persuaded the dealer to replace the dashboard as originally promised in the recall notice. The replacement has now also developed a problem with the vent being separated from the dash. There are also vague electrical problems, including surging and dimming of lights. Can't use the radio for fear of stalling the car, or use the heating system along with the rear defrost simultaneously.

Filed Apr 14, 2004 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · CA

As soon as I exited the freeway (almost a full circle exit), my car started choking and finally stopped. No fuel seemed to be reaching the engine. I had aaa tow it home since I was close to home. The engine cranked but wouldn't start. This choking happened once before when I entered the freeway on a similar full-circle ramp, and then stepped on the gas to pickup speed. It coughed a bit but then ran fine. Seems like the spin causes something to choke. Other contour owners have experienced this before. It supposedly happens when the fuel is less than a quarter of the tank. Ford had recalled the ford focus for fuel delivery system problems and my car exhibits the exact same symptoms. When I talked to ford customer service, they asked me to take it to a dealer, have it fixed at my expense and then they would consider re-imbursing the expenses, but they also said that I shouldn't count on a reimbursement. I explained to them that this could be very dangerous since it can happen while entering a freeway. I've seen a few more complaints like this on this site (www.the federal safety agency.org) but no solutions. Some say that the dealer cannot figure out the cause. The solution should be the same as the ford focus recall solution and should be fixed at ford's expense.

Filed Feb 25, 2003 · Engine · 50,000 miles · NH

When I go to start the car sometimes it just makes a whining noise and wont start, that happens two or three times a month, also the dash board is comming up.

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Engine · NJ

While driving at any speed car cut off without any indication, and will not start back up. Dealer contacted, fixed problem 3 times, but didn't inform consumer of what part. Problem still reoccurring.

Filed Jan 24, 2001 · Engine · FL

Intermittently vehicle would crank, but will not start. Dealer notified, and unable to locate cause. Please provide any further details on this matter.

Filed Oct 17, 2000 · Electrical · VA

I wrote a letter to ford (dated august 18) letting them know that I was not happy about having to pay over $700 for an alternator (which was supposedly only 1 year old) and an air flow sensor. I bought the car used in june 1999 and didn't feel that I should be replacing either after only a year. Please see letter attached. This morning (10/17/00), my car wouldn't start until I put it in neutral.