Alternator/generator/regulator Problems of Ford Contour

I have a 1998 Ford Contour lx with only approx. 53,000 miles on it. I am on the 4th (fourth) alternator replacement: August 2004, October 2005, August 2006 and now, September 2008. There is definitely a problem with this car. I would like to know if there has been a recall on this year and model of Ford vehicle.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Contour 🔎.

The contact owns a 1996 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the vehicle has encountered blown fuses and a destroyed alternator. The electrical system also destroyed the battery. The dealer stated that the wiring harness deteriorated, and informed the contact of recall # 01v230000.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Contour 🔎.

Alternator died after only 60,000 miles.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Contour 🔎.

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.

Constant problems with the vehicle. Alternator, fuel tank, gear shift indicator, computer sensor's (variable cam timing over retarded), automatic shift labored and fails, cooling fan motor, etc. This vehicle is in some form of repair shop on a regular basis. Have I driven a Ford lately? yes, and sorry I chose to do so.

Y fuel pump failed on may 21, 2003. Car towed to a dealership (mileage 41,711). Manufacturer would not cover under warranty, total cost to consumer for repair: $463. 80. Dealership that completed repairs advised that fuel filter also had to be replaced or warranty on new fuel pump would be voided. This was the second fuel pump to fail. Original fuel pump failed on June 6, 2001 (mileage:8,884). Manufacturer covered under warranty. Dealership did not install new fuel filter. March 28, 2003 alternator failed (mileage: 38,307). Manufacturer would not cover under warranty. Cost to consumer for repair: $377. 36. (on or about January 31, 2003 (mileage 35,290) consumer had vehicle examined due to battery light having come on from time to time. Ford TSB 15830 advises that the lighting of the battery lamp may indicate that the vehicle is in fact operating properly. This service bulletin may have lead the Ford service department to not consider that there was in fact a more costly problem (I. E. Alternator failure). ).

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Contour 🔎.

This car is a lemon - it is not safe.

Alternator originally replaced on 06/04/2001,part failed on 05/16/2002.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

My car was in the shop 5 times in one month - all electrical problems. Alternator, battery, starter, wiring harness, speed sensor and oxygen sensor were all changed. The Ford dealership does not understand why I am having all these problems. It was also in a garage fire at the dealership in this time and I had smoke damage to my car on top of the engine problems. Needless to say, I loss money on the trade in. This is the worse car I have ever owned and will never own another Ford car or truck again.

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.

There are too many problems with our car to write down. Please contact us.

The battery light comes on, it will dim down while the consumer is driving and then the engine will quit,the dealer replaced a faulty cable from the alternator to the junction block, could possibly be an engine problem instead of electrical because now the engine light stays illuminated.

I have taken my car to the Ford dealer twice and they have been unable to fix my car. Yet they find it neccessary to keep my car for weeks at a time. I am at the point to where I want them to take this car back and give me a nother one. Please help me. I have no more rental car fees and they are looking at my situation like OH well. That is not fair to me. If you have any suggestions or any knowledge that will eleviate my problem please get in contact with me.

While driving at interstate speeds our alternator wire melted off at the connection to the alternator. The alternator, the wire and a 175 amp fuse were all bad. A replacement alternator could not be found in less than 2 days so the original alternator was rebuilt. I have in my possesion the blown 175 amp fuse and the melted alternator wire. This is the second time an electrical wire has melted on our 1998 Contour. It is the third time we have been stranded. Ford has a service bulletin for this type of problem with the correction being, replace the alternator and the wire on Contours with the 2. 5l engine.

While driving vehicle oil light came on. Engine stalled out. Noticed a reflection of flames on the ground. Lifted hood of vehicle & noticed the engine was on fire. Driver put flames out. The alternator was just replaced, twice, prior to fire. Was no warning.

Fortunately I was able to extinguish fire before it was serious. Ford's concern regarding the incident is minimal.

When making a left turn while driving in rainy weather or going through small puddle of water, the water splashes on the generator ,causing complete power loss. Vehicle was taken to dealership on September 20th, but the problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further information.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Contour 🔎.

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.

Right rear light continued to go out. Replace bulb few times. Right wheel bearing had to be replaced. Major fan belt replaced. Alternator replaced. Light on radio goes off when head lights turned on. This happened after they fixed my recall for lights. Gas cap cover is very hard to open. Takes several times to try and open. When air is on smells come through really strong from other cars. Owner notification recalls are not taken care of until they actually happen. These are coil can break and car go down blow out tires. Also electrical harness can break and wires will connect with other parts of the car and cause a fire. I have sent a letter to the president of Ford and explained how I felt this car was unsafe and if anything happened to me or my family they would be held responsible. I never received a response from anyone. They should be made to take back all Contours and give us a safer car for us and our families to drive. I am a single parent and cannot afford to finance another car. They need to provide a loan and new car for us. I will be contacting Ford again in the near future to see if they will help with taking my car back and giving me another car/loan. As I told them in the letter they just wanted to sell and make money they didn't think of the family and or families that this car as it fell apart would effect. I appreciate that you have this web site that I can voice my concerns,problems with the Ford and feel someone may pay attention before someone is hurt in these cars as have been many with the tire situation. I will help you in any way I can to clear up all of these problems. I keep the letter I sent Ford in my car in case something happens someone will be able to read it and know I did try to get this problem dissolved before it was to late. Thank you so much for your help. Debbie jennings hewitt.

I have had multiple problems w/ my 96 Ford Contour since I bought it 2/23/96. I have had it in for service multiple times, and I get told it's covered under warranty why worry about it. The srv. Mngr. At my dealer supposedly talked to a "tony" at Ford & told him to tell me as long as it's covered under warranty I shouldn't complain it is no money out of my pocket. That is unsatisfactory -I believe my car to be a defect in that years line of Contours & I would like something done about these problems. My car runs worse than any used car I have ever owned! all I ever wanted done was to rectify the situation,they could have easily replaced my car with one similiar to that year & model & I would have been happy. I really would like a response to this matter. I am to the point where I will contact a lawyer to seek help dealing with Ford & kennedy Ford , if I can not get a fair & aggreeable outcome to this situation. Thank you.

Alternator does not charge properly therefore having to be replaced often.

About 2-3 months after I had my car I tried to trade it in for another car because of the deffects on it, but the dealer would not help me out then. Is there anything I can do about it now? no safety defect listed in the summary.

Alternator failed.

Since purchase of vehicle when driving through a puddle of water or in rain, power steering will go out. At that time alernator light comes on, has been to dealer numerous times for this , seems to be a design flaw. Also, filling up with gasoline vehicle will smell for long time.

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.

In June 1998 replaced brake pads, and had rotors turned because they were warped. Had to replace brake pads again, including rotors in February 1999. Two months later rotors again warped. In July 1998 had to replace alternator. In April 1999 dash lights and tail lights quit working - had headlight switch replaced.

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.

The wires to the a\c and the alternator have recently burned up. . Completly melted. . I am afraid that the car is going to catch fire. . Also if you could look at my warranty through auto nation you could see how many problems I have had with this car. . It's outragous. . If I did not have warranty I do not know what I would do. . I want to trade it in all though I have only had it for about a year in a half. . But I can't aford to keep fixing it. . . . Thank you c. J stafford.

While driving headlights/ tail lights, and dash lights completely stopped working, there was no warning. Took vehicle to dealer. Also, vehicle has had three alternators within three months. Problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.