Positioning:
The Ford Contour and its Mercury Mystique sibling were Ford's entry into the competitive mid-size sedan segment, aiming to offer European driving dynamics and styling. This manual supports owners and technicians in maintaining and repairing these vehicles.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and Dodge Stratus.
Manual Selling Points:
Provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions with hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed substeps, cautions, warnings, and numbered instructions for accurate and effective repairs.
Manual Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1999 Ford Contour/Mystique.
Estimated Pages:
Estimated 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Purpose:
Aids in improving repair quality by providing accurate understanding and correct repair procedures.
Digital Format:
Adobe Acrobat Document (.pdf) delivered via WinRAR ZIP archive (.zip)
Powertrain:
Engine, Automatic Transmission, Exhaust System, Fuel System
Chassis:
Suspension, Driveline, Brake System, Steering System
Electrical:
Climate Control System, Instrumentation and Warning Systems, Battery and Charging System, Audio Systems, Lighting, Electrical Distribution, Electronic Feature Group
Body And Paint:
Body, Frame and Mounting
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of components and systems.
Electrical System Repair:
Detailed troubleshooting and repair for lighting, ignition, charging, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, and climate control systems.
Body Repair:
Procedures for body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, and bumper systems.
Troubleshooting:
Includes troubleshooting guides for various systems, helping technicians diagnose and resolve issues effectively.
Depth:
Detailed technical information for both do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics, including advanced diagnostics and rebuild procedures.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos, including enlarged insets for detailed part examination.
Guidance Methodology:
Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, and detailed substeps ensure clarity and accuracy in repair procedures.
Engine Options:
2.0L Zetec-E I4, 2.5L Duratec-V6
2.0L Zetec Horsepower:
125 hp @ 5500 rpm
2.5L Duratec V6 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard on GL, SE, Sport trims)
2.5L Duratec V6 Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Codes:
Zetec: Zetec-E; Duratec: Duratec 2.5L
Manual Transmission Availability:
5-speed manual transmission available on certain trims with the 2.0L Zetec engine.
Automatic Transmission Availability:
4-speed automatic transmission standard on V6 models and optional on some 4-cylinder models.
Automatic Transmission Type:
AX4S/AX4N (depending on engine)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Awarded 4 stars for driver and passenger in frontal crash tests (for certain configurations).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard or optional depending on trim level.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on usage and fluid type (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 for Zetec; SAE 5W-30 for Duratec V6 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity grade based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V (or MERCON ATF for older transmissions, confirm with manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (refer to manual for specific Ford specification)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Potential issues include intake manifold gasket leaks, coolant bypass hose leaks, rear main crankshaft seal leaks, ignition coil pack failures, and automatic transmission solenoid issues.
Suspension Wear:
Struts, ball joints, and bushings can wear over time due to the sporty suspension tuning.
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing reliable and popular mid-size sedans, building on platforms like the Taurus/Sable. The Contour/Mystique represented an effort to capture a more European-influenced market segment.
Contour Mystique Development:
Based on the European Ford Mondeo, the Contour/Mystique was designed with a focus on ride and handling. It was part of Ford's global platform strategy.
Manufacturing Plant:
Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA.
Production Years:
1995-2000 (North America)
