My dash was replaced at 8k miles and this is a VERY common problem on later Contours. Since you're out of warranty and this is upwards of a $600-$700 repair I would politely work your way up the Ford food chain. Start with the district Ford rep as your dealer is already worthless (go figure!).

Matthew W. Campbell-- bigMoney Racing
--1999 SVT #220 "NT4UA" /O.Z. Crono Evo\'s/ /Rear Deck Sub/ --1972 Chevrolet C/10 Custom Deluxe--1980 Camaro in fewer pieces--
"If I had invested...in IBM or something like that, I would certainly have been wealthy within a decade. Instead, I bought a Porsche...and got a life" Leon Mandel