Are you still having trouble with your car? If so check the link below for the MLPS sensor change, includes pictures. I had the exact same symptoms on a 96 Mercury Mystique that I bought for my daughter. I had the computer scanned and it set the code for the Transmission sensor. Sorry, don't have the exact code on me. I bought the MLPS sensor at Ford for $80 CAD. Took me about 30 minutes to install it and it's like driving a new car again. I feel for the people that have spend Hundreds of $$, or have replaced the tranny. Maybe the Ford Techs should start using Auto forums like this. I was so happy that I went and bought an OBD2 scanner while on vacation in Las Vegas last week. Picked up an Innova 3100C (supports the CAN protocol), at Checker Auto for $100 US. Great tool to own. Have 4 cars at home (teenagers), so it will come in handy.
I hope this post helps someone else. The Contours-Mystiques are great cars when they running properly.
MLPS change.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1040336&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1 
