Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting dashboard warp-possible replacement via Ford

I have a 2000 contour SE - 2.5 V6 dohc, automatic only 22,270 miles. My dashboard began warping about 3 months ago. I checked the great troubleshooting notes from this site and found out that I was not alone. My car is still in premium warranty and I know Ford states that the dash is not covered.
Dealership/Ford is now offering to replace my dash with a 50/50 split between them and I. I am asking for a part number.They are estimating my part at $750.00.

I am looking for opinions on the replacement. from reading posts it looks like this could happen again? open to suggestions ....

Welcome. If you want, you can do it yourself.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1017351&Forum=trouble&Words=dash&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=2weeks&Main=1017351&Search=true#Post1017351

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=aesthetics&Number=1005516&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1
Here is an easy fix.


http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=aesthetics&Number=947017&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
This one is much harder.

Thanks for the pictures - yes the warping is like mine. thanks for the suggestions too!

And if you haven't removed the Instrument Panel before, this might help.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1012899&Forum=trouble&Words=instrument%20panel%20lights&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=1month&Main=1012899&Search=true#Post1012899

When I took mine in under the double secret hidden warranty, they weren't replacing them anymore but were now doing a repair which I think was only a couple hours of labor. That was a couple of years ago and it seems to beholding up. I'd ask your dealer how much for the reoair as oppossed to replacement.

$750! I think it would be well worth it to find some other remedy to the problem, such as the fixes posted above. That seems high to me, especially considering they made a defective part that can't withstand heat.

thank you Big B - I appreciate your help, your contour SVT is great! I'm still trying to work out a resolution. Once I get a part number, I can do further research. I know this is Fords problem and should be a recall. I'll be meeting with some "old hot rod guys" - my Dad's old car club from the 50's - one owns a body shop, one used to work for Ford. With the help you all are giving me I will be able to get some sort of fix. My 2000 Contour is my first new car, I love it, but I afraid without a fix on the dash I could encounter problems. I don't know how to work on cars- I can troubleshoot or feel some issues before they happen, but this dash issue really is frustrating.
So again I thank you for looking at my post and replying.
Best Regards. Lori

Thank you Tony - I will check on the reoair fix. I see you are a newbie too. Many thanks.