I had a strange problem (maybe not strange to some of you). My car - 1998 Contour SE Sport V6 automatic I was driving with A/C on, suddenly the A/C was WARM. Suspecting it needed a freon, I kept driving (about 15 minutes) to go home. I got home, and noticed the engine was LOUD. I opened up the hood, and noticed the Coolant was BUBBLING HOT, like hot spring water. And a little smoke coming out of somtething near the coolant tank, and behind the belt (I think) I started to worry. The next morning (about 18 hours later), I started the car, and noticed the TEMP gauge went all the way OUT right - really hot indication. BUT I didn't even start the car, just turned it on. I left the car running for 10 minutes idle, and then the coolant started to BOIL again. And the TEMP gauge stayed on the RIGHT, way right... I investigated the overheating on the net and found a few things from other contours. - Water pump problem - Tranmission - Replace the V6 engine (Please say it's not) - Broken thermostat YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. I treat you to dinner if I can... Thanks, Herry

Thanks so much for your help. I will try the 2 suggestions. Thermostat water pump... Herry

I went home from work. Today, I took my car to a FORD dealer. What a blood-suckers. THey took all my money. $200 to replace a $30 censor $105 inspection $30 censor $70 labor I hate DEALERS. ANd not only that. The problem persists. It is still overheating. HEAD GASKET is OK! (thank GOD). They are not sure about Thermostat and Water pump. According to their diagnostics 3 of those look OK. ANy other idea? I would love to get more info. from you. Thanks, herry

I usually just read these postings, but rarely keep up with them. Just yesterday (Tuesday) i encountered the same problem. My A/C, which worked last summer, hasn't been this summer. I was thinking i needed a recharge, but just Tuesday my engine was running hot with the coolant boiling. I talked with a few AAA (Hoosier Motor Club) Tow truck drivers, as well as my boss (who owns a muffler shop, among other businesses) and all suggested the thermostat before anything else. I'll have that checked and fixed first, but if you discover that your situation is different, HHH, please let me know! Kalin '95 Contour LX V-6

Well, just got off the phone with the mechanic my boss suggested, and looks like i'm out $245 for a new water pump after replacing a $15 thermostat. It's pocket change next to what you spent, Herry, but I typically avoid the dealership at all costs--they're bloodsuckers, all right. Is the water pump often a problem for contour owners? Sounds to me like it is...among other things. This car's testing my patience--don't be surprised if i'm out of the Group in the next few months because i give up on the Contour...but we'll see. I'd like to stick it out, but bills are starting to add up on this thing. Kalin '95 Contour LX V6

I HAD SE CONTOUR V-6 SAME PROBLEM. REPLACED WATER PUMP. WHEN REMOVED WATERPUMP FOUND THE IMPELLERS HAD BROKEN OFF SO IT WAS NOT CIRCULATING COOLANT. THIS FIXED MINE. NOTE: BE SURE NOT TO LET IT GET AN AIR POCKET IN COOLING SYSTEM!!!! THESE ARE BAD ABOUT THIS