🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Contour

Model Variant:

Mystique

Year:

1999

Vin Structure:

WIXxxxxxxx - Specific VIN structure for 1999 Ford Contour/Mystique

Engine Codes:

Vary by engine option (e.g., SPI, Zetec, Duratec - specific codes for 1999 models apply)

Transmission Codes:

Vary by transmission type (e.g., manual, automatic - specific codes for 1999 models apply)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Aimed at DIY mechanics and owners seeking to perform their own repairs and maintenance, saving on dealership costs.

Alternatives:

Haynes, Chilton manuals (often less detailed than OEM), unofficial online forums and repair guides.

Features:

Single-year specific coverage, OEM factory data, comprehensive system coverage, easy PDF format with search and bookmarks.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete factory workshop service and repair

Secondary Coverage:

DIY repair, maintenance, troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

Not specified, but typical OEM workshop manuals for this era are extensive (1000+ pages likely in print equivalent)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

File Size:

Approximately 100 MB

Software Requirement:

None (no installation required)

Searchability:

Searchable PDF with bookmarks

Printing Capability:

Printable sections for repair

📖 Manual Coverage

General Service:

Identification Codes, Jacking & Lifting, Maintenance Schedule, Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH)

Chassis Suspension:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Wheel and Tires

Chassis Drivetrain:

Drive Shaft, Rear Drive Axle/Differential

Chassis Brakes:

Brake System Overview, Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Parking Brake System, Hydraulic Brake Actuation, Power Brake Actuation, Vehicle Dynamic System (if equipped)

Chassis Steering:

Steering System, Power Steering, Power Steering Gear, Power Steering Pump, Reservoir, Hoses, Cooler, Module, Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder, Wheel, Air Bag Sliding Contact, Steering Shaft, Steering Column Switches, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Powertrain Engine:

Engine System Overview, Engine Cooling, Supercharger Cooling (if applicable), Fuel Charging and Control, Accessory Drive, Starting System, Engine Ignition, Emission Control, Intake Air Distribution and Filtering, Evaporative Emissions Control, Electronic Engine Controls

Powertrain Transmission:

Automatic Transaxle/Transmission, Manual Transaxle/Transmission

Powertrain Exhaust:

Muffler and Tailpipe, Muffler Inlet Pipe, Heat Shield - Catalytic Converter and Muffler, Exploded View Muffler

Powertrain Fuel:

Fuel Tank and Lines, Acceleration Control, Speed Control

Electrical Climate:

Climate Control System

Electrical Instruments:

Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination

Electrical Charging:

Charging System

Electrical Entertainment:

Entertainment System

Electrical Lighting:

Lighting (Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Interior Lamps, etc.)

Electrical Network:

Module Communications Network

Electrical Security:

Anti-Theft System, Passive Anti-Theft System, Remote Keyless Entry and Alarm

Body Exterior:

Front End Body Panels, Body Closures, Exterior Trim and Ornamentation, Rear View Mirrors, Convertible Top, Bumpers

Body Interior:

Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Seating, Glass, Frames and Mechanisms, Instrument Panel and Console, Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry System

Body Accessories:

Wipers and Washers, Safety Belt System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive diagrams for Audio System, Navigation, Charging System, Climate Controlled, Seats, Cluster and Panel Illumination, Convertible Top, Cooling Fan, Electronic Engine Controls, Headlamps, Autolamps, Heated Window, Horn, Cigar Lighter, Instrument Cluster, Interior Lamps, Luggage Compartment, Manual Climate Control System, Module Communications Network, Overhead Console, Parking, Rear and License Lamps, Passive Anti-Theft System, Power Distribution-SJB, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Window, Remote Keyless Entry and Alarm, Reversing Lamps, Seating Shift Interlock, Speed Control, Splice Location Index, Starting System, Supplemental Restraint System and much more.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for all covered systems.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures and schedules.

Installation:

Instructions for various component installations and adjustments.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical specifications.

Depth:

OEM factory level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and major component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Full text search capability via Adobe Reader or compatible software.

Bookmarks:

Included for easy navigation.

Quality:

High quality, suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes 2.0L Zetec I4 and 2.5L Duratec V6 (specific to the US market Contour/Mystique for 1999). Previous 1.8L Zetec and SPI engines may have been available in other markets or earlier years but less common for '99 US models.

Horsepower Torque:

2.0L Zetec: Approx. 125-130 hp. 2.5L Duratec V6: Approx. 170-175 hp. Exact figures depend on specific engine tuning and regional variations.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) for both engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system.

System Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine variant.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual (MTX-75) and 4-speed automatic (AX4S/AX4N).

Optional Transmission:

None

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up.

Manual Features:

Robust design, suitable for higher torque applications.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 183.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.3 inches

Height:

Approx. 54.5 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and trim, typically 3000-3300 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not readily available for specific model year, but generally rated average to good for its class.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, Traction Control System (TCS) optional on some V6 models.

Passive Safety:

Driver and passenger front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, optional premium sound systems available.

Assistance Features:

Cruise control, optional traction control.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by 1999 standards; primarily focused on basic audio and climate control integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type used (refer to manual for exact recommendations based on severe vs. normal driving).

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual; typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on engine and temperature).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Mercon V or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual).

Coolant:

Ford Premium Gold Coolant or equivalent, ethylene glycol-based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon ATF or specific Ford power steering fluid (check manual).

Common Problems:

Transmission issues (especially automatic), coolant leaks (heater core, hoses), suspension wear (struts, ball joints), intake manifold gasket leaks, electrical gremlins, occasional power window/lock failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Ford has a long history of producing reliable and popular vehicles, including mid-size sedans and performance-oriented models.

Contour Heritage:

The Ford Contour and its Mercury counterpart, the Mystique, were introduced in North America for the 1995 model year. They were based on the European Ford Mondeo platform, designed to offer European handling characteristics and a more sophisticated driving experience than previous Ford sedans. The 1999 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh with minor styling updates and feature enhancements.

Production Years:

1995-2000

Manufacturing Location:

Kansas City, Missouri, USA (Ford's Claycomo plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

The Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique received generally positive reviews for its European-derived chassis and handling, particularly for its performance variants. However, it faced stiff competition and struggled to achieve widespread sales success compared to segment leaders. Specific awards for the 1999 model year are not prominently documented, but the platform itself was recognized for its driving dynamics.