What would cause the above car with a manual transmission to be stuck in 2nd gear?
Haven't seen it yet but it only has 111K
What would cause the above car with a manual transmission to be stuck in 2nd gear?
Haven't seen it yet but it only has 111K
A bad transmission. 
If you plan on getting it, plan on a new/rebuilt transmission. Its been abused.
You could also sign in and post at "Contour.org." http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/forum.php
In fact you should only need to do a search to find out what may be wrong.
I assume it could be as simple as a broken shift fork, but can be multiple things. You'd probably have to rip it apart to find out.
Linkage sounds common.
Throwout bearing?
That's all I needed to know thanks, run away
I think their a little overrated anyway. Its pretty much a probe with for doors from what I remember.
N Sperlo wrote: I think their a little overrated anyway. Its pretty much a probe with for doors from what I remember.
They're not quite that bad......
Aussie, with a bum trans, as long as everything else is good, it'd be worth between 1-2k....The transmission is an mtx75 and should share all internals with the trans from a zetec focus. The single best thing about csvt's is the fact you can gain half a liter displacement with a little bit of work at a pull a part ripping out a duratec 3L from a taurus.....swap the csvt heads, intake, and accessories over and get an sct tuner(tuned for the 3L) and you'll make close to 250hp......oh, and duratecs LOVE boost. You can buy torsen & quaife atb's for the trans for around the $500 mark. The best part, MONDEO parts fit.....and look much better.
yamaha wrote:N Sperlo wrote: I think their a little overrated anyway. Its pretty much a probe with for doors from what I remember.They're not quite that bad...... Aussie, with a bum trans, as long as everything else is good, it'd be worth between 1-2k....The transmission is an mtx75 and should share all internals with the trans from a zetec focus. The single best thing about csvt's is the fact you can gain half a liter displacement with a little bit of work at a pull a part ripping out a duratec 3L from a taurus.....swap the csvt heads, intake, and accessories over and get an sct tuner(tuned for the 3L) and you'll make close to 250hp......oh, and duratecs LOVE boost. You can buy torsen & quaife atb's for the trans for around the $500 mark. The best part, MONDEO parts fit.....and look much better.
More like... they aren't that GOOD.
Has nothing to do with the Probe, actually. The Probe is a Mazda, the Contour is a Ford.
Is it a good DD for high mileage use
aussiesmg wrote: Is it a good DD for high mileage use
decent.....they probably won't get better than 30mpg with the 2.5L though....but otherwise, they're a basic contour with a pretty good engine(duratec v6's are very well built engines). Just better brakes and suspension to go with it.
Also, the jack cover caps(in the side skirts are hard to find)
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: More like... they aren't that GOOD. Has nothing to do with the Probe, actually. The Probe is a Mazda, the Contour is a Ford.
QFT......we know you're biased.....and secretly lust for csvt's.
And I agree, they don't really share anything in common.
In reply to yamaha:
I was under the wrong impression then. So does the Zetec Focus share a transmission with the Zx2?
No, The ZX2 is a Mazda G-Series transaxle...the Focus and Contour/Cougar use the aforementioned MTX75.
The "G" stands for glass, which is what the internals are made of--ask me how I know.
yamaha wrote:92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: More like... they aren't that GOOD. Has nothing to do with the Probe, actually. The Probe is a Mazda, the Contour is a Ford.QFT......we know you're biased.....and secretly lust for csvt's. And I agree, they don't really share anything in common.
I love me a CSVT, but it's a totally different car and not something i would cross shop with an MX6/Probe. A CSVT street car/commuter would be THE E36 M3, though.
Though i'd rather the E36 M3.
aussiesmg wrote: Is it a good DD for high mileage use
I would vote "yes." There's nothing real special about them, and high mileage use is exactly what i would want them for.
I LOVE the interior in them.
For high mileage lots of highway, though.... Saab 9000 would probably be a better and cheaper choice.
One of the best sounding engines you can buy for that short of money!
If it does use the MTX75 check the shift cables. I know several people with Focuses that have had a shift cable come loose leaving the car stuck in one gear.
The price is right even if it needs a trans, going by what the majority are saying this should be a good deal then
I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for one if it needs a trans. If it's $1000 or less, you shouldn't be on the computer right now.
I loved mine. Awesome DD, quick enough to be fun, but still pretty good MPG, nice handling for FWD, and some of the most comfortable seats you'll ever sit in.
Its well under $1k
ST_ZX2 wrote: No, The ZX2 is a Mazda G-Series transaxle...the Focus and Contour/Cougar use the aforementioned MTX75. The "G" stands for glass, which is what the internals are made of--ask me how I know.
LOL. My Zx2 tranny doesn't seem to shatter when the clutch slams down like its hammer time.
What happened to it?
I'll tell you - it's one of two fairly simple things.
1) the two shift cables that attach to the shift tower are held on by rubber gromets. They tent to wear out causing bad shifts OR fall off altogether causing it to be stuck in whatever gear it's in. This time it's 2nd gear. You can access the tower by removing the drivers side wheel. You'll see what I'm talking about. These are $10 parts at the Ford dealer.
2) This one is a bit more tricky. There is a shift tower bolt inside the trans that either breaks our backs out and falls off. The trick is to try and get the tower back into neutral and I can't remember how to do this. Usually the bolt falls out and hits the differential, causing major damage. If it still rolls or drives in 2nd gear then I'd say option #1 is likely the problem.
I've had the MTX75 all apart and I can't think of anything that would make one stick into second gear that isn't shift tower related.
If I found one of these like you described then I'd be rushing out to buy it. Then again, I always liked these cars. I prefer them without spoilers.
I've owned every color except green.
aussiesmg wrote: Its well under $1k
I usually ask it be running if I pay anything for it, but I usually buy old Deathscorts and Cadavaliers.
If you're willing to put in a new transmission, go for it.
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