1994 Contour - CEG Archives

Just got this car a few days ago from a friend. Here is the problem-he ran onto the shoulder of the road adn the car cut off. Once he cranked it back up it started making a tapping noise from under the hood. He drove the car about 2 miles and parked it. Now the engine seems to be locked up. I gave him the towing fee and he gave me the car. Any ideas of what may have happened or what could be wrong or did I pay thirty dollars for a Contour tool box? I am new to fords so any help would be appreciated.

there is a fuel cut off valve on it and that might be why it wont start if it is even turning over if it isnt turning over it sounds like maybe you might want to see if the flywheel is bent or something since he ran off the road.

There is no visible damage anywhere. Engine will not budge or do anything as far as i know. And by the way is there any place i can find the specs on this car. I know nothing about it other than it is a 1994 with a 2.5 in it.

No such thing as a 94 Contour, the first production year was 95. Does the engine turn at all? What happens when you turn the key? Is it a manual or auto. If it is a manual the clutch must be engaged to start the car. Give us all the info you can. Also check all the fuses, particularly those in the engine compartment. My guess is this is an electrical problem.

Hey, welcome to CEG, Hope your not leaving too soon

Was there motor oil in the engine? That sounds exactly like what happened to my Barreta. The engine froze and I had to get another one.

Din't think there was a 94 contour but that is what the registration says.I have searched for 94 info with no luck so i figured this may be a typo?This is what i know-2.5l engine - manual trans - fold down rear seats - standard black panels behind the rear window - leather interior - drove on the shoulder and srtarted making tapping sound - drove to parking lot and shut it off then it would not turn over anymore - engine did nothing - thought it was an oil problem but no visible damage - towed to shop and they say engine locked up - 7000.00 to replace.

After Sept of 1994 It would have been a 1995 if you looked at the sticker on the door. Thats pretty steep for a motor. Keep watching this post, Maybe Brad Noon or someone can help you find a cheaper motor.

I will keep watching. Should i just upgrade to a 3l?I would like to fix this car up and get some power out of it. Only paid $29.60 for the car (towing fee). Didn't think that was to bad for a contour!?!Do you know where i can find the specs on this car?ie-engine type-power-options - things like that. Here is a dumb a** question - is this car front wheel or rear wheel drive??????Trying to learn all i can so i won't sound so stupid later.what kind of trans is in this car? i know it is manual but what kind?

The car is front wheel drive, and if you have the manual transmission it is the MTX-75 5-speed.

There is a specs section is the FAQ section: linky . Keep in mind that Contours come in three basic engine types: 2.0L I4 Zetec, 2.5L V6 Duratec, and the 2.5L V6 Duratec SVT version.

How do i determine which 2.5 it is. The duratech or the svt version. Is there any place i can go to decode the vin number?

It's front wheel drive. And if your going to do it, do it right Go 3.0

Here's Brads website...
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/

And here's the info on the 3.0...
http://www.bnmotorsports.com/3literhome.htm

If you decide to keep the car, keep going through the forums, you'll get a bunch of information and ideas so when you get her back, you can start tinkering with other things.

The SVT engine only comes in the SVT version of the vehicle. SVT Contours have added extras like dual exhaust, ground effects, and exterior SVT badges. There's also an SVT badge on the UIM in the engine compartment.

It is a regular Duratec....the SVt's didnt come out til 98...plus the SVT only came in the SVT version(ground effects/different interior, wheels, brakes, plus lots of engine stuff. The SVT also has a SVT plaque on the UIM.

sorry hetfield...didnt see your post

It's a regular 2.5 SVT models came out in 1998

I was under the impression Contout SVT' s were there in 95. As were the 4 cylinder Zetecs and regular V6 Duratec .
I did not know until now.

Just read that sometimes on a hard right turn the oil can be moved away from the pumpp and lock up the engine in these cars. Any truth to this? has anyone else heard of this or experienced this before?

Yes, this is definitely a possibility, though I haven't experienced it myself. Some resolutions are to keep 6 quarts of oil in the engine (and don't let it drop), installing an Accusump oil pump, and baffled oil pans (or any combination of these).

Originally posted by new2this:
Only paid $29.60 for the car (towing fee). Didn't think that was to bad for a contour!?!

DAMN!!!

wish i could buy a tour for $30. i think you got one hell of a deal. was this other person on drugs or something?

no relevance to the topic but I paid 200$ for mine

Originally posted by Champagne96GL:
no relevance to the topic but I paid 200$ for mine

Hell I pay more than that a month

well, the zetec is the best engine, so you'll just have to put up with the duratec

,, i would try to fix that engine first, but a 3L drop in may be the way for you to go,,, i think u can find 2.5L for good deals sometimes,, i heard that zetecs can be had for $800 new from some dude (not on here).

Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
well, the zetec is the best engine

Satan has a special chamber in hell reserved for you.

SVT's didn't go into production until the 98 model year, so your car has the original Duratec 2.5L which is good for 170hp. It's a pretty fast car with the 5spd.

Hey, even if your engine is cooked you've got a sweet project car!

Here's an article that will give you a little history on the car.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/95-99mystique.htm