I had a very similar problem. I was 99% convinced that it was the fuel pump, but it turned out a tranny problem. I ended up completely rebuilding the tranny [ATX]. Definetly have a mechanic look at it - it's much better and cheaper to deal with such problems early.


Contour '97GL 2L ATX, ~100k Pioneer sound system A few unintentional scratches on the back and a rebuilt tranny