Four problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The front part of the vehicle makes a dragging sound while driving. The dealer indicated there was an internal transmission problem. The serpentine belt was replaced. Updated.
Also the timing belt is broken and there's nothing on owner's guide that tells you to change timing belt after 60,000 miles. Engine light on after one month of buying this car I call the dealer made appointments few times but the problem never went away, few times I had to pay for them to check on the way home the light is back on , I call them back and ask what's the problem , what's the purpose of me taking a day off to bring the car to be fix and the problem still exist. , their remark was there's 23 sensor and they could'nt tell which one it was. Now I'm stuck paying 1 1/2 yrs on a car that I don't have , still have to came up with money to get a new engine in which I don't have , bumping ride to and from work, cancel all my appts. And begging people for rides so I can pick up kids from school and food shopping, I can't take the kids to do anything because I have no car that's not fare. Thank-you for all your help ,thank-you again.
The engine makes squeaking sounds when starting. The dealer replaced serpentine belt to correct the problem.
Consumer was driving approximately 55mph, noticed smells of burning rubber, and experienced power failure at the same time, city garage #10 said the wiring harness for the alternator was bad, causing a short repaired the wiring and replaced the alternator with a rebuilt one, a serpentine belt was also replaced.