Ford Contour

Low side pressure is normally 28-38

high side pressure is typically 100 + outside temperature

Nothing on 99 but 96 Contour has a red LED that blinks (a tiny light) on the driver-side dash vent next to door. This LED blinks on-off continuously when armed.

Are there any steps on how to change the alternator on a 1198 ford contour?

The transmission dipstick is located on the left side of the engine/transmission, just inboard of the brake master cylinder, just in front of the firewall. It's buried down below several hoses, but the handle is painted yellow. You may find it useful to use one of the extra-long needle nose pliers you can buy at any auto parts store (I've found the ones with the "bent" nose best for the job.) You definitely will have to use a long, slender funnel if you need to add fluid. Make sure you get the dipstick fully seated when you replace it!

It dampens crankshaft vibrations on your main drive pully for the serpentine belt. It's an inner steel wheel bolted to the crankshaft, with a rubber bushing, then the actual crankshaft drive pully on the outside of that. Without it you would likely loose your belt, or wear it out prematurely.

It means the computer has detected a problem with the emissions system. Make sure your gas cap is tight. If that is not the problem, then you need to have the computer scanned for a fault code. This code you give you and idea where to look. Auto Zone & Advance Auto Parts will do a free scan in most states. The ZX2's are notorious for having temprature sending unit problems...a quick fix to get the light to go off is to make sure the radiator is full first....then if that is ok disconnect the RED or POSITIVE battery terminal for about 5 - 10 minutes. This resets the computer. You'll have to reprogram your radio and clock but the CES light will be out. If it comes back on then have it checked like above.

The 1996 Ford Contour wiper blade sizes are 22" drivers and 20" passenger side wiper blades. See sources and related links below for more information. Since there are over 22 different wiper arm attachments, do not buy wipers just by length only. Be sure to lookup exact wiper blade part numbers by vehicle make, model and year for the brand wiper you decide to purchase. This ensures correct length AND correct attachment.

i had this happen before. it was before i cleaned out the lower intake manifold. car was running too rich and not getting enough air. when i turned the steering it would put stress on the engine when idling and then stall.

Yes

It is not at the end of the upper radiator hose. Please don't follow the first person answer.

It is a common misconception that a person can fix a problem by "reseting" an ECM(PCM). There really is no such thing as reseting the PCM. A PCM is a logic device, that actually learns as it goes, and makes adjustments in it's stradegy based on what it has learned, and even remembers what has happened on previous drive cycles. A PCM learns stradegy over time to compensate for engine wear, driving conditions, and even the driving habits of the operator. It can also learn about a weak or faulty sensor in the system and learn to compensate for it, within certain limits. A PCM is a "thinking" device that makes decisions, and can change it's mind, so to speak, to adjust to different situations. You can erase it's memory, and force the PCM back to it's original preset stradegies by disconnecting and waiting 5-10 minutes. But the PCM will be quick to relearn everything, and will turn the check engine light back on when and if it recognizes a problem. So you will have to find and correct whatever the trouble is that is making you want to "reset" the PCM.

ATF, Look on bottle and it will tell you if it for FORD.

WOW! That is very difficult question to answer over the net. The reason is because the answer depends on several factors. What condition is the car in? What would it cost you to replace the car? How much do you like the car? What type of repair does the car need?

I can give you some information about Contours in general that may help you decide. Honestly, Contours, in general, were not very good cars. That is why Ford doesn't build them anymore. I work for Ford, so I have a little bit of inside info on those cars. The idea behind the Contour was strickly for profit. The former CEO of Ford wanted his design team to come up with a car that they could build fast and cheap. That was it. No other stipulations, other than it would be asthetically appealing. Voila! the Contour.

That is not to say that you will always have trouble with your Contour. Most of what happens with a car depends on the owner, and the kind of care the car gets.

I do see Contours that are still running around with 150,000-200,000 miles on them. Some people do get good service from them. But there a lot of them in the junk yard too, so if you plan to keep it, keep up all the services. Oil changes, filters, transmission and coolant flushes, periodic thermostat changes, etc. You have about 100k miles on it, so it's now time to do the timing belt as well.

The biggest problems a Contour had were electrical problems. Now here is a VERY BIG DEAL! The underhood wiring harnesses had a BIG problem. Look at your wiring on your engine. The insulation particularly, at connectors liked to flake off, and cause bare wires that would short out. There was a Ford assistance program to fix this for free, that expired at 10 years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles, whichever came first. look at your wiring under the hood. If you have bare wires, particularly right where the wires go into connectors, on your engine wiring or lighting harnesses, call the dealer and give them your VIN code(serial number) from your car. They can look it up and see if you are still within the program limits. There are also other electrical recalls that may apply. There were big problems with the AC fan blower wiring that were covered by special programs, as well as radiator cooling fan concerns. Ask about recalls and special owner assistance programs concerning electrical issues. I am differentiating between recals and other programs because there is a difference. A recall, is something deemed a safety issue that Ford cannot set a limit on. In other words, it never expires. There are a couple of those on that car. But an assiatnce program is not a recall. It is problem area that Ford decided to pay to fix within certain limits, like mileage or age. There is no legal entity making Ford do it, so if it is expired, that's it, it's expired. The underhood wiring issue is one such program, but there were a couple of other things pertaining to the AC blower circuits that expired at 150,000 miles, if I remember correctly, so check it out.

I really hope this helps you decide what to do.

As it a front wheel drive, it has two half-shafts that go to the two front wheels.

That light doesn't mean that your battery needs to be replaced. It means that your battery is not being charged while the car is running. Have your alternator tested.

It's located behind the exhaust manifold. There is an assembly known as an "oil-air separator" that the PCV fits into. You'll likely have to remove the coolant housing from the head in order to loosen the nut holding the metal PCV tube to the cylinder head. To facilitate easier replacement in the future, it's recommended to cut the metal tube and replace the portion cut off as well the as short hose running to the PCV valve with a longer section of hose. This will allow future PCV replacement without the need to remove the water outlet housing and metal PCV tube.

On a 1998 Ford Contour, the engine model number can typically be found on the engine block itself. Look for a metal tag or a stamped number on the front or side of the engine, often near the cylinder head or the timing cover. Additionally, you may check the vehicle's service manual or under the hood for specific locations and diagrams indicating the engine identification.

The erratic idle and stalling in your 1996 Ford Explorer could be caused by several issues, such as a dirty or malfunctioning idle air control valve (IAC), a vacuum leak, or a problem with the mass airflow sensor (MAF). Additionally, issues with spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel delivery problems, like a clogged fuel filter or failing fuel pump, could also contribute to these symptoms. It’s advisable to perform a diagnostic check to pinpoint the exact cause.