Two problems related to engine noise have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving, vehicle overheated, consumer stopped to add anti-freeze, a little while later vehicle began to make noises and came to a complete stop, vehicle had caught on fire. Ohio traffic crash report.
Problems with the engine light coming on and the servicing dept at the Ford dealer and other auto servicing center could not figure out why to this day it is on. At one time the entire interior lights and rear brakes lights went out. It currently shut its self off ( stalls) and get hot. The engine sounds revved up and shortly after the ac unit went out. Everything has been checked out/ the alternator was replaced the crankshaft was replaced some wiring had to be replaced all the fluids are where they should be and it still stalls and overheats for no reason. Both front windows electrical motors have gone out.