Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Trouble shifting

Sounds like the pressure plate is not fulling disengaging and is keeping the clutch and gears spinning even though the pedal is pushed all the way in. I don't know what causes it but it does occur on SVTs occasionally. Try bleeding the clucth. It could be clutch junk buildup binding between the clutch and pressure plate if the clutch is on its way out.
I had this issue on my last car and a new clutch solved it, though I'm not saying it is your problem.