Ford Contour won't start problems

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 Dec 6, 2007 · Electrical · FL · fire

Under hood wiring harness got hot and melted the insulation off the wires,causing smoke and burnt smell of plastic and on some of the sensors that control the engine,resulting in high engine speed,lack of stopping power and steering,I parked the car at home and now will not start.

Filed Feb 20, 2007 · Fuel system · 120,088 miles · MN

My 95 contour started for two seconds, then died. It would not start after that. My mechanic determined that the fuel pump quit. I only had the car two days from purchase, so I checked online for service issues, recalls, etc., and found out all the various fuel, electrical, emission and other problems this vehicle has, my biggest concern being that it could catch fire(I do have a family to drive around), I am very disappointed about the uncooperative coming from the dealerships concerning all this, I am very low-income, I spent $1000.00 for this car thinking it was a good dependable car, and now find myself wondering how I will be able to afford all the repairs on my single income, ford, shame on you!!

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 May 26, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · KY

Dt: contact states the wiring harness is cracking , causing the vehicle to stall while driving, gasoline fumes from the fuel injector is coming inside the vehicle. When it rains or when washing the vehicle it gets water into the computer of the vehicle, causing loss of power, the vehicle will not start. The service dealer stated this was a defect within the vehicle.

Filed Jul 16, 2004 · Engine · 106,035 miles · CA

I bought it on 07/01/04. On 07/02/04 my on was driving it, and couple of times, whem he stopped on stop signed, the car wouldn't start. Eventually, in the evening, there was white thick smoke coming from under the hood and car was stopped. I called the dealership and they towed it to the mechanic shop. It happened that there was no oil and coolant and endine has gone bad. The dealer refused to pay completely for the repair, and we split it 20/80% where I'm to pay 80%. It's been 2 weeks and car is still in shop. I didn't buy it to sit in shop. Is there a way to correct the situation somehow?

Filed May 4, 2004 · Engine · 1,200 miles · WI

Vehicles shuts off frequently. Vehicle won't pass emissions test. It won't start, and has to be towed to the dealer.

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.