Introducing the Ford Contour 1996-1999 Service and Repair Manual, your comprehensive guide to maintaining and repairing your vehicle. This manual, compiled by experts, provides detailed instructions and illustrations covering a wide range of topics essential for any DIY enthusiast or professional mechanic. Dive into the intricacies of your Contour’s engine with in-depth guidance on engine overhaul and rebuilding. Learn the proper procedures for replacing timing belts, ensuring optimal engine performance. Master the art of brake maintenance, including repair and replacement procedures, ensuring safe and reliable braking for every journey. The manual also features detailed information on sunroof operation and repair. Go beyond basic maintenance with troubleshooting and diagnostics sections, empowering you to identify and address potential issues. Understand the workings of your vehicle’s electrical system with clear wiring diagrams. Explore the intricacies of engine performance, front-end procedures, suspension systems, and transmission information, enhancing your knowledge and repair capabilities. Gain insights into air conditioning service and capacities, ensuring optimal climate control. Unravel the mysteries of computer diagnostic codes, enabling you to diagnose and resolve electronic issues. Discover detailed specifications for your Contour, along with factory maintenance schedules and charts, ensuring you adhere to recommended service intervals. Become familiar with serpentine belt routings and timing belt service procedures, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. This manual is your trusted companion for all your Contour repair needs. It’s packed with hundreds of illustrations, complete torque specifications, and detailed repair procedures, making even the most complex tasks manageable. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a novice DIYer, this manual provides the information you need to confidently maintain and repair your Ford Contour.

The Ford Contour, produced from 1995 to 2000, marked a significant departure for Ford, showcasing a move towards a more European-inspired design and driving experience. This compact car, built on the Ford CDW2 platform shared with the Mercury Mystique, aimed to capture the burgeoning market for stylish and affordable sedans. The Contour offered a range of four-cylinder engines, including a 1.8L Zetec and a 2.0L Duratec, paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The car's design, penned by the German design house I.D.E.A., featured sleek lines, a prominent grille, and a more aerodynamic profile than its predecessors. Inside, the Contour prioritized comfort and functionality, offering a spacious cabin with a well-laid-out dashboard and comfortable seating for five. The Contour's success lay in its blend of practicality and style, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The car's sporty handling and responsive engines made it fun to drive, while its relatively spacious interior and decent fuel economy made it a practical choice for everyday commuting. However, the Contour faced criticism for its relatively low build quality and some aspects of its interior that felt cheap compared to its competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the Contour held its own in the competitive compact car market, becoming a popular choice for buyers seeking a blend of European style and American practicality. The Contour's legacy lives on as a testament to Ford's willingness to innovate and experiment with new designs and technologies, paving the way for future generations of compact cars that embraced a more refined and sophisticated driving experience.