if it is a v6 it would be the notorious plastic impeller water pump...they crack off the shaft internally...
how do you change a thermostat for a 1997 Ford Contour
The thermostat could be stuck shut or the water pump could be bad. These are the two most common causes of this problem.
I was looking at fordparts.com and for the 1995 Ford Contour 2.0 liter four cylinder it shows ( Motorcraft RT-1150 , a 190 * F thermostat )
The radiator may be plugged up. There are products available to help clean the cooling system, and the cooling system should be backflushed after using them.
Does the radiator fan work? If not, have it checked or check it out yourself.
Thermostat probably needs to be replaced.
Under the upper rad hose. there should be a housing that's holding it
Look for a removable housing at the engine end of the upper radiator hose
Low coolant? Cooling fan not operating? Radiator clogged or restricted? Thermostat no opening fully? Water pump not circulating coolant? Defective radiator cap?
You can uninstall thermostat and install new thermost under air filter and look coolant hose by sensor gang. I did my own car.
usually located in a removable housing at the engine end of the upper radiator hose
It is not at the end of the upper radiator hose. Please don't follow the first person answer.