On a '97 Ford Contour the transmission will not go into forward or reverse gears all the time. Hard shifting to start with then wont go into gear at all. Able to take out of park and go into neutral gear, but not any other gear.

Bad or faulty transmission solenoid. Have it checked at your local transmission shop. If the check engine light is on then have the codes read before taking it to the shop.

Check your Transmission Fluid, if it has a burnt smell you are going to need a rebuild. If it is the right level and clean check to make sure that the shifter is actually shifting the transmission by watching the shift selector lever on the transmission while someone shifts the gear shift inside the car.

bad transmission. if it shifts through gears going forward but will not do anything in reverse it is most likely a bad transmission. reverse is usually the first gear that goes out .

90 Ford Bronco II: You have to put it in whichever gear you want it in before you start it or it wont shift at all. Then once you are going its extremely hard to shift into the other gears. Reverse is the only gear that sounds like its grinding.

It can be issue with gears or problem with transmission and needs to be rebuilt. Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.

To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------

These will help.

Thanks.

The shifter needs to be inspected. If The shifter assembly is got misaligned, it has to be open and realign.

There are many other possibilities.

Also i suggest you to refer these gear shift issues, which are mostly noticed. These are direct links with appropriate solutions to the specific problems of gear ****.

GEAR SHIFT ISSUES

Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html

----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html

These details will help.

Thanks.

It can be issue with gears or problem with transmission and needs to be rebuilt. Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.

To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------

These are direct links with appropriate solutions to the specific problems of gear ****.

GEAR SHIFT ISSUES

Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html

----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html

These details will help.

Thanks.

It can be issue with transmission,most probably it needs to be rebuilt.

Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.

To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------

GEAR SHIFT ISSUES

Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html

----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html


-------------

These will help.

Thanks.

Its Possible the chain in transfer case is stretched I had the same problem a used case was 250 at my local salvage yard

Yes the converter and bands are toasted. You more than likely need a transmission.

CHECK THE CABLE FOR THE SELECTOR (GEAR SHIFT) IT MAY BE THE PROBLEM..IF NOT MAYBE TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY