My 98 V6 is experiencing the very same thing right now. However, it has experienced it the last two winters as well. For me this only seems to be a cold weather occurence and goes away when it warms up.
The remedy without having to replace the starter is to whack the starter with a hammer whenever it does this. Works like a charm and doesn't cost a thing. I have over 220k km on it and don't really feel that spending good money on a starter is worth it anymore.
Originally posted by Will Keith:
First time user - site is fantastic. Bought my 96 'tour for $1.00 Cdn. 178,000 km, no rust - no one wants them up here in Alberta! I was scared to buy the car at any price, hearing about reputation of 'tours, but looking over your website changed my mind. 3 questions, if I may: starter on my V6 when first starting on cold mornings sometimes doesn't engage (but does spin), but then engages on 2nd or 3rd try. Engages fine once car has been started for the day. Suggestions? Where can I find an owners manual, the kind you find in your glove box? I bought a workshop manual, but would like to find an owners manual, condition unimportant as long as complete and readable. Lastly, where can I find more details on my particular model of Contour: it's a '96 GL, but with the V6, auto trans, and disc brakes on all four corners. The color (apparently stock) is a bright slightly metallic turquois blue-green - any ideas what this color is called? Many thanks. Will Keith
