Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Weird SVT instrument cluster misbuild

I just bought a '99 SVT contour that was built in late '98. I bought the car from the original owner. I noticed that the check engine light did not illuminate when the key was turned to the on position. So I figured it was just a burned out bulb. Today I pulled the instrument cluster and found that all the bulbs were OK. I then used a flashlight and shined it into each opening. I found there was no check engine light area and the airbag light was to the far left of the cluster (and it doesn't illuminate). I also found a traction control area and I know that SVT's did not come with that option. I looked in a Ford shop manual and the check engine light should be to the left of the low fuel light (which I have) and the airbag light should be to the right of the low fuel light. I also noticed my fog lamp light illuminates different to the previous contours I have owned. Anyone have any ideas? I really dont care much about the check engine light because I can just scan for codes but the airbag light is pretty important. Has anyone else come across something weird like this?

Also, it is the original cluster because it had a ford sticker on the side of it with a late 98 build date.

About it having the traction control one, I think a couple SVTs did have it, but anyways I think it's on a lotta clusters whether the specific car has it or not. My cluster also has a 'sport' thing, but obviously it doesn't have sport mode.

As far as not having a check engine light... I guess Ford built you a perfect car and decided you didn't need it.

I suggest getting it scanned right away to get the codes. If it is just missing the bulb assemblies, then you should be able to pick up some from Ford. In addition, are you getting a "5 beep pause 5 beep" sound when the car is running. If you are, then the airbag diagnostic module has determined a problem with the airbag. Could be something as simple as the bulb being burned out.

Bulb with assembly F5RZ-13466-BA $3.24 each.

Edit. Check Power Distribution Box next to battery to see if any fuses are missing (especially Fuse 11 KAM for the PCM).

I really wonder if you can add the traction control switch to make it functional like one other person has found. You might have a rare one. Not that traction control is a good thing. If you don't have I believe it's active all the time and you can't turn it off unless you have a switch. Take it out on a dirt road and see if the traction control kicks in when you floor it.

Is there anything in the Check Engine light area looking from the front side?

Greg

Both of your lower panels for the lights are different.

Even the fog light is different than any I have seen. Usually the fog symbol glows green, and no lighting around it. Yours is the opposite. Wierd.

and the temperature don't say normal mine says and is a svt 98 i think maybe is a aftermarket gauges or something like that