I have a 95 Ford Contour. I recently started having problems with the transmission. I would like to know if this is a common problem with contours. I took it to Aamco Transmissions, and they said that the whole thing needed to be replaced. I took it to a Ford dealer and they said that I was just a bent tube. I would appreciate any information on this subject.

I haven't heard anything about transmission problems, but I am a member of the Northern California Contour Enthusiasts Group, and I will be glad to bring it up in the next discussion. I will get back to you.

I would of course check the fluid first to see if the levels are fine and smell the fluid does it smell burnt or smell like regular tranny fluid? if it smells burned bigger problems are in you future. if it smells and looks ok when was the last time you changed the tranny fluid it should be changed every 40-50,000 miles along with the filter in the tranny pan. while in there check to make sure all the passages are clear in the valve body check the linkage from the shifter to the transmission to make sure it isn't loose or frayed? one thing to try is to shift the shifter all the way into low or first gear then into drive but it sounds like you are going to need a new tranny. luckily aod tansmissions are easy to find and easier to install than an aode.

How many miles is on the transmission? In my old 350 when that started happening spitting the gear into oblivion was short behind. With a transmision that is probably 16 years old it wouldn't be a bad idea to consider having it rebuilt regardless of the reason for its problems. Anyway, regardless of thepath you choose to take in the repair of your tranny it's a good idea to take it to a company with a good nationwide warranty against both parts and workmanship. That way if any work they do is bad and you discover the quality of it in nowhere usa without money you can get it fixed.

Torque converter has been another thought of mine, I'll see how the fluid and filter change comes along. $250 for a converter compared to $1200 for a trans is a lot better. >

The usual - change fluid and filter, put in some trans shift improver. George   On Mon, 12 May 2003 17:28:31 -0500 "James Del Mul" <

What is transmission shift improver?

Any idea when trans fluid was changed? Might start there. Could also be a governor sticking. They can service that without pull the trans. "James Del Mul"

correction- I have less than 122,000 miles. Not the nearly 130,000 miles I said before.

Hello Steven, I think either way you go will be a good choice. I would do a little research and see which is cheaper for your pocket book. Having a transmision rebuilt can get costly, maybe see if you can find one that someone wants to get rid of cheap. Check your local ads, maybe someone can also rebuild yours or trade something for one.good luck keep us informed.

hello steven. your best bet prob be to get it rebuilt ford trannys are very cheap to rebuild.i know a guy who quoted me about 200 on a c4 if it wasent burnt up to bad it sounds to me like its somthing simple for a trans person to fix just call around and find the right person. hope this helps...........phil russell martin <

steven- i'd rebuild whatever you have in the truck now and its possible that you hav a C4, a C6 or even a FMX. This group kicks ass for info and I'd log onto it if I were you. no doubt they can help- http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/FordTruck57-79List/

Hello Steven, I think either way you go will be a good choice. I would do a little research and see which is cheaper for your pocket book. Having a transmision rebuilt can get costly, maybe see if you can find one that someone wants to get rid of cheap. Check your local ads, maybe someone can also rebuild yours or trade something for one.good luck keep us informed.

hello steven. your best bet prob be to get it rebuilt ford trannys are very cheap to rebuild.i know a guy who quoted me about 200 on a c4 if it wasent burnt up to bad it sounds to me like its somthing simple for a trans person to fix just call around and find the right person. hope this helps...........phil russell martin <

steven- i'd rebuild whatever you have in the truck now and its possible that you hav a C4, a C6 or even a FMX. This group kicks ass for info and I'd log onto it if I were you. no doubt they can help- http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/FordTruck57-79List/