1996 Ford Contour Recall

Certain passenger vehicles. The rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition. The heater blower resistor may overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt, creating the potential for a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness.

A failure of this component (powertrain) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles equipped with 2.5 litre V6 engines, tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures. Overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. If electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine compartment components. Correction: Dealers will install a Positive Temperature Coefficient device (a solid state resettable fuse-like device) in-line with each fan motor.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the pressure conscious reducing valve (PCRV) in each of the rear brakes may be subject to malfunction due to corrosion when operated in areas of high road salt use. If both PCRVs malfunction, vehicle handling may be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, which could potentially result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will install improved PCRVs in the rear brake system.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the fuel filler pipe vent hose may have less than the intended level of ozone resistance, which could result in the hose becoming brittle and cracking. A cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle is being fueled. Fuel leakage in sufficient quantity in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose containing the appropriate blend of PVC and nitrile rubber.

A failure of this component (fuel system) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector may experience heat damage as a result of overheating. This can cause distortion of the terminal and an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp and tail lamp circuits. Correction: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and inspect and if necessary, replace the headlamp switch.

A failure of this component (lights and instruments) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the floor shift automatic transmission control may be damaged if subjected to certain vehicle interior cleaning products. If exposed to these products, the transmission gear position indicator may deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position. If this occurs, the shifter will continue to operate normally, but there is the potential for incorrect gear selection. Correction: Automatic transmission floor shift control will be replaced.

A failure of this component (powertrain) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE MATERIAL IN THE CATALYST AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD ASSEMBLIES (LIGHT-OFF CATALYSTS) CAN RESULT IN RESTRICTED EXHAUST GAS FLOW, LOSS OF POWER AND EXHAUST EMISSION LEVELS IN EXCESS OF THOSE SPECIFIED IN THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: LEFT AND RIGHT HAND LIGHT-OFF CATALYSTS WILL BE REPLACED. UNDERBODY CATALYST WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

A failure of this component (emissions) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

NOTE: ONLY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION ARE INVOLVED. THE THROTTLE CABLES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, WHICH COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL. CORRECTION: THROTTLE CABLE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN VERSION.

A failure of this component (engine) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).