My 96 contour is overheating after about 15 minutes of highway driving, to the point that it has shut down. The heat is working on occassion, but goes in and out of hot and cold air, and is always cold when running idle. I have replaced the thermostat, and this relieved the problem slightly. I m thinking maybe I need to replace the water pump, but this was done 2 years ago, could it be time for a new one? At the same time all of this is happening, the auto transmission is having trouble getting into gear when I start it up, and a little trouble shifting when driving. I had a rebuilt transmission done less 5 months ago, could the transmission be effecting the heating? If you have any advice I would LOVE to hear it.

Overheating can be caused from a number of things. First check to see if your fan is running (check fuses also). Another common Ford problem is the belt tensioner pully. I just recently got rid of my mercury sable due to this problem ( the pully failed causing the water pump to stop and all the coolant to stop moving then the pressure built up and both the upper and lower radiator hoses blew out after that i was done). Are you noticing that you are low on coolant alot, coolant in your oil, or that the car is Idiling funny (rpm going up and down alot)? It could even be as simple as not putting a thermostat in. Hope this helps Walt