1997 Ford Contour

Introduction

The 1997 Ford Contour is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0L inline-four that produced 125 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5L V6 engine was also available, which produced 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Contour was praised for its sporty handling and spacious interior. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Engine

2.0L Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, rough idling
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Squealing or grinding noise from engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from valve covers, visible smoke from engine
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace knock sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Shifter Cable Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise from transmission
  • Solution: Replace shifter cable
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Fluid Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, slipping gears, delayed engagement
  • Solution: Replace leaking components, top up transmission fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from front suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical Short in Wiring Harness:
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical system malfunction, flickering lights, blown fuses
  • Solution: Repair or replace wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $450
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Clear Coat Peeling:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clear coat on paint peels off, exposing base coat
  • Solution: Repaint affected areas
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows do not operate, clicking noise from door
  • Solution: Replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Drain Tube Clogging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into cabin through sunroof
  • Solution: Clear clogged drain tube
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1997 Ford Contour is a reliable and affordable mid-size sedan that offers plenty of space and features. However, it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt tensioner failure, and valve cover gasket leaks. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not typically major and can be avoided with regular maintenance.