🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Contour

Year:

1998

Product Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Publisher:

RepairSurge

Licensing:

Officially Licensed, OE Material Derived

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Targeted at DIY enthusiasts and independent repair shops seeking accurate, factory-derived information for the 1998 Ford Contour.

Competitive Analysis:

Offers a modern, convenient digital alternative to increasingly scarce and outdated printed manuals, providing up-to-date information for a specific model year.

Key Features:

Licensed OE data, accessible across multiple devices, user-friendly interface, comprehensive coverage, cost-effective for DIY repairs.

Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform repairs and maintenance efficiently, saving money on labor costs while ensuring correct procedures are followed.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service and Repair Information

Page Count:

Digital Access (equivalent to extensive printed manual)

Manual Type:

Online Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Web-based Software

Access Duration:

1 Year

Access Options:

Renewable Annual Subscription

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Heating and Air Conditioning, Body, Chassis

Electrical System:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster, and HVAC controls.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Component Repair, Component Replacement, System Overhaul

Engine Mechanical Procedures:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod removal/installation, crankshaft removal/installation, valve timing adjustment, oil pump service, and more.

Brake System Procedures:

Brake pad replacement, caliper overhaul, brake rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake line bleeding, ABS system diagnostics and repair.

Suspension Steering Procedures:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm and bushing replacement, steering knuckle service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes and filter replacements to advanced engine diagnostics, transmission overhauls, and complete electrical system tracing.

Diagnostic Focus:

Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, and wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Detailed schematics, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations for complex procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Web-based Access)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Content)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Content)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Content)

Compatibility:

PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet via Web Browser

Searchability:

Searchable digital content for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (Zetec-R)

Engine Code:

Z

Displacement:

1988 cc (121.3 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

84.8 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

130 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Valve Train:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition System with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC V6 (Duratec)

Engine Code:

J

Displacement:

2540 cc (155.0 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

81.6 mm x 79.3 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 6250 rpm

Torque:

163 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Valve Train:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition System with Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Gear Ratios:

Detailed ratios available within the manual for both 4-cyl and V6 models.

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Features:

Electronic control, available with Overdrive (O/D) function.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V ATF or equivalent (check specific vehicle application)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V ATF or equivalent (check specific vehicle application)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2667 mm (105.0 in)

Length:

4740 mm (186.6 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1400 mm (55.1 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 95 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2950-3200 lbs (1338-1451 kg) depending on engine and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact:

N/A (Specific ratings for this model year are not readily available in general documentation).

IIHS Crash Test:

N/A (Specific ratings for this model year are not readily available in general documentation).

ABS:

Available (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available. Basic climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited; primarily focused on ABS availability. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control were common on this model.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Manual details are focused on the vehicle's internal electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific synthetic oil recommendations and severe service intervals).

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:

Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, refer to manual).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, refer to manual).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3 recommended). Check manual for specific requirements.

Coolant Specification:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Mercon ATF or Ford Power Steering Fluid

Known Issues General:

Potential issues include intake manifold gasket leaks, automatic transmission torque converter shudder (especially with early models), wheel bearing failures, and minor electrical gremlins. The manual provides detailed troubleshooting for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Ford Motor Company, a pioneer in mass-produced automobiles, with a long history of developing reliable and accessible vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The Ford Contour was part of Ford's global CDW27 platform, sharing development with the European Ford Mondeo. It was designed to offer a European driving feel and was introduced to the North American market as a sportier alternative to traditional sedans.

Production Years:

1995-2000

Production Location:

Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions Awards:

While the Contour platform itself received some praise for its handling characteristics, specific awards for the 1998 model year are not widely publicized. The manual's value is in its technical accuracy, not in awards.