Some CEG'ers have said the Zetec 2L 4 cyl runs hotter than the 6 cyl. Mine is a 6 cyl, when the temperature needle reaches M an normal, about 2/3 scale, the fans come on, and stop after a few minutes as the needle drops towards cooler, 1/2 scale. If your engine is idling, it should have the radiator fan cycle on and off to regulate itself, then that fan control system is likely OK. (Maybe another Zetec owner could say what their car does for temperatures?)
The airbag light comes on for a few seconds and goes off, that is the self test. When you use heat, the air noise will change as you turn the temp knob, the (in dash) blower fan should run. Heat affects any mode (a/c pnl/flr, etc.) Maybe you could get a new hood release handle off a wrecked Contour, or pay a visit to the Ford dealer. (Stay away from those new Mustangs and Fusions
) The Contour does drive nice, most CEG'ers will agree.
Wiring harness would look new, or maybe the Ford dealer can check in their system to see if it has been replaced.
