A Transmission Fluid leak when turning off your 1998 Ford Contour could indicate a few potential issues. One common cause is a faulty transmission pan gasket, which may allow fluid to seep out when the pressure from the pump decreases after shutting off the engine. Another possibility is worn seals or a damaged transmission cooler line that may not show signs of leaking until the system is depressurized. It's advisable to have the transmission inspected to identify the exact source of the leak.
Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used in the automatic and the 5 speed manual transmission ( transaxle ) according to the 1998 Ford Contour Owner Guide
It's a FORD Contour.
The Ford Contour was produced from the years 1995 to 2000. The front pump transmission seal in a 1998 Ford Contour is located very close to the camshaft.
No
To check the transmission fluid in a 1998 Ford Contour, first ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine is running at normal operating temperature. Locate the transmission dipstick, usually found near the back of the engine bay, and remove it. Wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then remove it again to check the fluid level; it should be within the marked range on the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add the appropriate type of transmission fluid through the dipstick tube.
The transmission plug on a 1995 Ford Contour is located on the side of the pan. It allows for fluid to be quickly drained during maintenance.
According to the 2000 Ford Contour Owner Guide : For the manual transaxle ( transmission ) ( 2.0 U.S. quarts of Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid )
Does it have a dipstick?
Next to the brake fluid refill cap.
The transmission drain plug on a 1999 Ford Contour 4 cylinder engine is located on the front of the transmission, behind the engine. It is used to remove the oil fluid during fluid changes.
The type of fluid to use should be engraved into the automatic transmission fluid dipstick on a 1998 Ford F-150
ATF, Look on bottle and it will tell you if it for FORD.