🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Contour

Year:

1997

Trim Levels Covered:

All

Chassis Code:

JN1

Platform:

Ford CDW27 Platform (shared with Mercury Mystique)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

1997 Ford Contour owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs; professional automotive technicians

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level technical information, saving time and reliance on external repair services

Differentiation:

Exclusive focus on the 1997 Ford Contour, providing specific, non-generic repair data unlike aftermarket guides

Content Highlight:

Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications for comprehensive repairs

Convenience:

Single PDF manual, printable pages, easy access to specific sections

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for all models and all repairs A-Z

Specific Focus:

Not generic; specific to the 1997 Ford Contour model

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical for factory service manuals, often 1000+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Digital Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip

Digital Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows and Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting/Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle

Chassis:

Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering

Electrical And Body:

Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed diagnostics for all systems

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all components and systems

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, inspections

Specification Setting:

Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, etc.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete wiring schematics for all electrical systems

Depth:

Factory-level detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers

Diagnostics Level:

Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flows

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within PDF

Printability:

All pages printable

Image Scaling:

Images can be blown up and printed enlarged

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.0L Zetec-R I4, 2.5L Duratec V6 (KL-ZE variants may be mentioned if applicable to specific export models or performance variants covered by factory documentation, though less common for US market base manual)

2.0L Zetec Power:

Approx. 118-125 hp (varies by specific tuning)

2.5L Duratec Power:

Approx. 170-175 hp

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typical, higher recommended for 2.5L V6)

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Gold Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1)

Engine Oil Type:

5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on specific engine variant and ambient temperature, consult manual for precise recommendation)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic

AWD Option:

N/A (Contour was FWD only)

Automatic Transmission Type:

ATX/AX4S (depending on engine)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon (Contour was primarily sedan, wagon variant was called Mercury Mystique in North America)

Wheelbase:

104.5 inches (2654 mm)

Length:

187.7 inches (4768 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height:

55.3 inches (1405 mm)

Curb Weight Approx 2.0L:

2,950 - 3,100 lbs

Curb Weight Approx 2.5L:

3,150 - 3,300 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

GVWR varies by model and options, consult specific vehicle documentation or manual

Towing Capacity:

Not designed or recommended for towing heavy loads

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (as per NHTSA ratings for 1997 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (as per NHTSA ratings for 1997 models)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on some

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, especially V6

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, front seat pretensioners

Srs System:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) coverage detailed in manual

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, depending on trim level and options.

Speakers:

Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most models.

Multiplex Communication:

The manual covers 'Multiplex/CAN Communication', indicating a basic level of vehicle network communication for diagnostic purposes.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual will specify exact interval.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles for Platinum or Iridium plugs (if equipped), 30,000 miles for conventional copper plugs (if equipped). Manual will specify.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles. Manual: Inspect as per manual. Manual will detail specific intervals and procedures.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific Ford power steering fluid

Washer Fluid:

Automotive windshield washer fluid (e.g., -20°F washer fluid concentrate)

Ignition Coil Packs:

Prone to failure, especially on the V6 engine.

Intake Manifold Gaskets:

Can develop leaks, particularly on V6 models, leading to vacuum leaks and rough running.

Automatic Transmission:

Some early ATX transmissions could be prone to overheating and premature wear.

Suspension Components:

Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings is common with age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Heritage:

Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a history of innovation and diverse vehicle offerings.

Contor Introduction:

Introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Ford Tempo and part of Ford's global 'Contour' project.

Contor Styling:

Featured European-influenced styling, aimed at a more sophisticated market segment.

Contor Facelift:

Received a significant facelift for the 1998 model year, meaning the 1997 is the pre-facelift version.

Production Location:

Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA

Production Years:

1995-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Contour was recognized by Car and Driver as one of its '10Best' for 1997, highlighting its good handling and ride quality for its class.

Competitor Standing:

Competed against vehicles like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Lumina in its segment.