Sounds like the same problems I've been having for the past 2 months. (I am
VERY UNknowledgeable when it comes to cars) I still have
NO clue what the problem is.
You said it's an automatic? Do you have that little green O/D OFF button on the gear shift?
WORKAROUND:
The way I got around this was to start the car, turn the O/D off (Green light comes on the display), and then head out.
At about 40MPH, 2500 RPM I lay off the gas and switch the O/D back on (green light off).
Finally, I switch the O/D back OFF (green light on) at around 15-20MPH and 1000-1500RPM.
I am brand new to this board. I cam here looking for a solution to my current problem (already put $600 into the problem above).
I'll also make a separate post for this but this is the chain of events in the matter of a few seconds:
This morning:
- I got into my contour
- Had the door still open
- Began to put the key in.
- Heard the "DING" from having the door open
- Door still open.
- Key going in
- My index finger came in contact with the metal keyhole.
- BzZt! SHOCKed!
- Dinging stops
- DOOR STILL OPEN.
- NO MORE DINGING.
Try to turn the key, and although I can twist the key, it's like I never had a key in there in the first place.
Zero.
NADA
No clicking.
NO lights on the display. (ABS, AIRBAG, BATT, SEATBELT, etc... whatever normally comes on when you turn the engine over)
The entire driver side console seems out.
Now,
The interior lights work fine.
I assume the headlights would work but I can't tell since the switch is on this console. Brake lights work. BUT they will not blink when I put on the hazards.
Went to check the fuse-box underneath the steering column, and under the hood, and they all appear to be fine.
So, I can't start my car and I don't have a workaround for this one.
- Berbs
'98 Contour SE
will get it going, but so will letting the car sit for a little while. My guess would be that after everything in the tranny starts to cool, and some of the capicators in the ECU lose their power the circuit opens and unlocks the converter.