Six problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1999 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Alternator died after only 60,000 miles.
I bought a 1999 Ford Contour on 9-23-00 . I had the alternator replaced June of 2004 . Now , every time you let off the gas , the car stalls out. Due to this problem I have been stalled out in the middle of very heavy traffic , large intersections , railroad crossings , and making left turns with on comming traffic . I must drive this car , because it is my only means of transportation. I have put this car in the shop 3 times since last June . One of the shops was the local Ford dealership. They kept my car for a month , said they did not know what is wrong with it , and for me to come get it. Also , I am still making payments on a car that I can not drive, and no one is able to repair!.
Stalls and won't restart. I had the alternator changed and the fuse behind the head light switch by goodyear. They did a complete diagnostics test and said the only thing it could be was the alternator and maybe the fuse. I got the car back and it ran fine for about 3 hour's then stalled. I had to take it back 3 more times after the initial visit and still had the same problem. Good year could not figure out the problem and had my car towed to a Ford dealer ship where I had to pay again for a diagnostic test which came back clean, so they suggested a new battery and fuse. The car was working fine until exactly one year later when the same exact thing happened, it stalled yet again. I can barely open the door's with my key and it takes about three times to do so. I went to walmart and bought some fuse's and for now is working. I have taken the car to 2 place's one a Ford dealer ship and have the same problem as last year, if both place's could not find the problem then, then why should I waste my money again. There is a defect some where in the electrical system and I should not have to change the fuse so often.
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.
Fortunately I was able to extinguish fire before it was serious. Ford's concern regarding the incident is minimal.
My vehicle has a design flaw. The vehicles stalls after splashing through water. Only 1-2 inches are necessary to cause a stall. Also, the vehicle stall when turning in the rain. The engine will squeal, the alternator light will come on, and the vehicle will become very difficult to stop and steer due to loss of electrical power. This problem was identifed in Ford's technical service bulletin # TSB 97-11-2. This design flaw is only supposed to affect 1995-1998 Contours. However, it must be noted that my Contour is an early 1999 (manufactured in September 1998). The TSB describes that the vehicles needs to have a splash guard installed. Repeated requests to Ford motor company have not lead to any action being taken. I believe that my vehicle is dangerous to drive through any amount of accumulated water. Its tendency to stall forces me to drive through puddles very slowly which creates a dangerous situation for vehicles around me. I believe that Ford should fix this design defect free of charge (labor and parts). I would greatly appreciate any assistance that your agency could provide.