Originally posted by KenO:
As Ive reviewed the service history from the PO , Im amazed at the repairs and the cost involved.

If anyone can post any thought, I would love to hear them.

Also after reading the forum , I see Water pumps are weak spots in this car, is there anyway w/o dismantleing to determing if the WP has been replaced?

Previous repairs that I have records for:

5/02 at 70K Replace 2 rear Coil springs
Replace Blower switch (fan switch not working)
Recall of fan fuse

After the above repair RR Speed Sensor went out, it was cleaned of rust chips , repair did not last , speed sensor was replace 2 days later symptoms were abs and traction ctl lights illuminated

8/04 at 76300 Replace 2 heated oxg sensor 255.00 +118 in labor
Replace RF Spring 70.00+118 in labor
Recharge AC and check for leaks, no leaks found 160.00
Replace serp belt and idler pulley 50 +50 in labor
Replace RF Tire


Any ideas why so many springs and those 02 sensors seem very expensive.

Also I notriced the milegae in 3 years the vehicle only has 10K.

Anything I should look at?




Any vehicle at 10 years will require more maintenance than a new vehicle. As you bought the Contour used, you really don't know how hard the Contour was driven by the previous owner.

Look at the outside of the pump. And see if it has some markings on it like maybe GBC (aftermarket) or whatever. Of course, it was changed by Ford, it would be hard to tell.

My VSS went at 7 years and 60K miles.

Replaced two O2 sensors under warranty at 24 and 29K miles

Replaced alternator, serp belt and tensioner under warranty at 35K miles.

9 years and 76k for RF tires is excellent. Most of what you have done, I would consider as normal maintenance (except for Blower switch, fan). You might want to check if the thermostat needs to be replaced.

10K in 3 years (probably used as a 2nd or 3rd car). I was putting 2.5 to 3k per year (for 3 years) when I used mine as 2nd car. Might be a good time to change coolant, ATF and cabin air filter (buy Bosch cabin air filter-same as Ford).

Dealer labor rates are "normally" high which is why this site advocates DIY repairs where possible.

Edit. Coolant change

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=44

ATF change
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=992476&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1

and cabin air filter

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=16

Last edited by Tony2005; 08/28/05 09:15 PM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles