Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle getting discouraged about my svt

Check your shift cable first.
This is easy to do. Have someone move the shifter and see if it moves the shift tower at the trans. Look for unsecured boot (outside at trans) or clevis clip (inside in front of shifter).

If you don't find a problem with the shifter, you may have sheared a pin on the shift tower in the trans. This is a difficult repair. Find a good shop or replace the trans, if this is the case. The '01 MY Focus MTX75 should have the fix for this issue but it's not a direct bolt-on for the Contour MTX75. A few guys know how to make the Focus fix work in the Contour.

Both cases above can leave you stuck in the last gear you were in before symptom event.