on a contour 98+
THis is hooow I did it, It is my method and shoud not be taken as the word of FORD. I removed the grille by taking out the 2 screw on top of it. raised vehicle (Optional, my car is lowered) Pulled the two pastic fasteners out of the front bumper cover. Removed the screw that attaches the fender liner to the bumper in each wheelwell. now, there are 2 bolts on each side that go through the upper lip of the bumper into the fender. you can see them if you pull back the fender liner and look up and towards the fender. Unscrew these suns of *****es. Mine were a real mofo. Maybe if I sprayed them with some penetrator first
There is also a plastic fastener in the center of the bumper on the bottonm side, It is through a small plastic support for the lower part of the bumper. remove this and Voila! the bumper should be free and come off with relative ease. Just take your time and move anything that is in your way while un screwing those tough bolts. I took off my wheels and also loosened u the fenderwell liner at it's frontward fastening points so that I could pull back the liner to gain better access.
I hoope this helps a little.
Good luck,
Chris.
