I wish I could add something positive to this but alsa I cannot. I would liek to let you know that you are not alone in this as my Contour demonstrates some of the same behaviors.

1996 Contour GL 2.0L ATX Zetec 88K Miles (no-mods)yet 2000 Lincoln LS V6 Sport K&N Air Filter Moded Airbox Borla Exhaust Kumho Ecsta 245/45/17 CDC Wheels "Unfortuneately this is about all you can do to this one"