Originally posted by fpipes:
Originally posted by TourDeForce:
Left a rant then took off. Didn't come back to follow up on the offers of help. Even after I offered to maybe buy his car...


MAN! this is the first time i'm back on my computer since i posted. Anyway, YES I DID SAY I DIDN'T LIKE FORD. but i gave them a chance. and they blew it.
MY '98 contour has over 85,000mi. i'm only 20yrs old and attend college full-time and work part-time. i only complain about this car b/c every other week it wants serious attention and it hard finding the time or money to fix and replace.
i bought this car b/c i was attracted to it. it is a very very nice looking car for the money and it rides pretty decent. my sister had a '96 Mercury Mystique and i liked it.
PROBLEMS: EXHAUST LEAK(doens't pass inspection), Temp. Guage reads high, but 3 mechanics say it is working perfectly and it is normal for this particular car. Transmission shifts hard (but realy isn't too bad, slam shifts), check engine light comes off and on every other day. i think its the o2 sensors. OH, and the car stalls if i have less a quarter tank of gas or less. What the heck is that?!!?
i just feel something is going to go wrong everytime i drive it. i looks good, but it feels wrong.




My mystique had the same exact problem, with it stalling with less than 1/4. It was a clogged up fuel filter. It also threw a CEL (Check engine light).

Some things you may want to do:
Plugs (Autolite APP764, if you can get them) and wires (Stock, Autolite or Magnecore)
Go to autozone and have them tell you the CEL Code
Replace the Cabin air filter (not performace related)
Flush tranny and Engine Coolant
UIM/LIM Cleaning, either one, removal or B12 style(FAQ on main page)
That's all I can think of right now



Like everyone has said, neglecting routine maintenance will likely cause problems in the long run. But, if you stay on top of it the car will run better and longer. You treat a car right and it'll treat you right.

1999 Mystique LS V6 Alpine CDA-9807, Rear deck sub, Opt. TB, K&N RU-3530/MAF adaptor, custom heatshield, FSVT 17's, SCT 4-program chip, Eibach's/ST200's, Hella Fogs...