Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting '98 Contour Starting & Engine Issues

Good Afternoon,

I have a 1998 Contour four cylinder/auto trans that's been failing to start when it's cold (I live in Michigan). I've attributed this to either the battery going or the alternator, possibly the belt. It's been on my list of things to do, but haven't gotten around to it. I only mention this because I'm not sure how it relates to my now, more serious problem.

Last night after dropping off some packages at Airborne Express, the Check Engine light came on. About 1/4 mile down the street I lost power coming from the engine, while it was still running. The engine began to vibrate and emit metallic noises - a low grinding. The car died completely about 20 seconds after.

Due to the battery/charging problems, the car wouldn't restart. After jumping it, I could get it to run if I fed it gas, but the engine continued to vibrate and make metallic clashing noises. Again, no power was being
delivered to the wheels. The car died soon after and refused to start at all.

I'd appreciate any ideas you all might have.

Thanks.

What's the mileage on the car?

~86K

I'm no guru, but here are a couple things to look at:
Inspect the belt. If it is gone, and you drove without it you may have some big problems in your future. Did the engine overheat after the jump? Did the power steering work or was it very difficult to steer?

My guesses:
You lost your belt.
The alternator is toast and it seized.
Idler pulley. (In my experience, Ford idler pulleys like to cause problems in 75K+ cars)

Others, please comment. My intent is to stimulate more discussion and I could be way off base here.

-Khufu01

The belt's still sound. Oil is full & clean. Radiator fluid is full & clean. I checked the gauges when the CEL came on and everything appeared normal. Power steering did go out when the power stopped being transferred to the wheels. Transmission fluid was full, but a light brownish orange - like a fresh oil. My first thought was trans, as the engine was still running while the wheels ceased to turn. However, when the engine wouldn't turn over, I began to doubt it.

I have no idea. But the metallic noises coming from your engine through the whole dead engine out towards me. No power steering? Maybe... I don't know man. I think your engine if fried but what do I know?

Torque converter maybe?

I bought a 95 Mystique with horrible noise coming from the belt area (this netted a lot of $ off the price). When I got it home it acted like the engine had locked up. This made diagnosis much easier. As it turns out my AC compressor's clutch had destroyed itself.
Drop you serpentine belt off and see if all pulleys and accesories spin freely and smoothly. You can even run the engine briefly with the belt off.
Even if your timing belt does break, your engine is a non-interference engine. No valve or piston damage will result. Good luck.