🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Contour

Year:

1997

First Generation Start:

1995

First Generation End:

2000

Platform Code:

CDW27

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Sedan, European-influenced Design

Key Competitors:

Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626

Design Philosophy:

European styling and handling cues inspired by the Ford Mondeo

Powertrain Options:

Emphasis on V6 engine option for improved performance over base inline-4

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets Covered:

North America (USA, Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All Engine Variants (Duratec V6, Zetec Inline-4)

Transmission:

Automatic (AX4N, AX4S), Manual (MTX-75)

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Disc (ABS available)

Suspension:

Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Independent

Electrical:

Complete Electrical Schematics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation

Fuel System:

Fuel Injection, Fuel Pump, Injectors, Pressure Regulator

Cooling System:

Radiator, Thermostat, Water Pump, Cooling Fan

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converter, Mufflers

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (A/C)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Charts

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing

Installation:

Component Installation Procedures

Depth:

Complete Factory Diagnostic, Repair, and Maintenance Procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

Fully Printable (Single pages or entire manual)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Usage Rights:

Lifetime Use on Unlimited Devices

Operating Systems:

Windows & macOS Compatible

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1997:

2.0L DOHC I4 Zetec-E (SPI)

Optional Engine 1997:

2.5L DOHC V6 Duratec (Mondeo-derived)

2.0L Zetec-E Horsepower:

125 hp @ 5500 rpm

2.0L Zetec-E Torque:

125 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

2.5L Duratec V6 Horsepower:

170 hp @ 6250 rpm

2.5L Duratec V6 Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

2.0L Zetec Code:

ZVH (or equivalent Zetec-E variant)

2.5L Duratec V6 Code:

Taurus SHO derived (VIN code X)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 2.0L:

5-Speed Manual (MTX-75)

Standard Transmission 2.5L V6:

4-Speed Automatic (AX4N)

Optional Transmission 2.0L:

4-Speed Automatic (AX4S)

Optional Transmission 2.5L V6:

5-Speed Manual (MTX-75)

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon V (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

WSD-M2C200-B (or equivalent) 75W-90 Synthetic

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Length:

185.8 inches (4719 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Curb Weight Est Base:

2950 lbs (1338 kg)

Curb Weight Est V6:

3150 lbs (1429 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

4250 lbs (1928 kg)

Trunk Volume:

13.7 cu ft (388 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

ABS:

Optional on most models, standard on some higher trims

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, Optional CD Player

Speaker Configuration:

4 or 6 speaker systems depending on trim

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-II compliant (post-1996)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Synthetic:

7,500 miles or 6 months

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles or 5 years (first service), then every 50,000 miles or 2.5 years thereafter

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 60,000 miles or 3 years (under normal driving conditions)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic Recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L V6:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Yellow) or equivalent HOAT

Common Issues Description:

Interior door handle failures (plastic fatigue), heater core leaks, EGR valve issues (Zetec), transmission solenoid issues (AX4S/AX4N), wheel bearing failures, early model transmission control module (TCM) failures.

Interior Door Handles:

Common failure point due to plastic degradation, replacement recommended with updated metal versions.

Heater Core:

Prone to leaks, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Global Platforms:

Contour was part of Ford's global 'one Ford' strategy, based on the European Mondeo platform

Mid Cycle Refresh:

Minor styling updates for 1998 model year, not applicable to 1997.

Assembly Location:

Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA

Production Years:

1995-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Aspect:

Praised for European-like ride and handling in its class, especially with the V6 engine.