Check the charcoal canister in the fromt. It is a black can looking thing that stores fumes when the engine isn't running and is supposed to burn them when it starts/
It usually happens when the sensor responsible for overfilling fails, gas starts to go in the charcoal vapor canister and contaminates it. It causes vacuum system (EVAP) to malfunction. You need to check the sensor or valve what ever you have in your car. You might have to replace the charcoal canister.
visit www.contour.org
First of is it a 4 or V6???
The 2.5 litre V6 engine in a 1995 Ford Contour doesn't have a timing belt , it uses ( 2 ) timing CHAINS
The 1998 Ford Contour owners manual shows ( 5.8 quarts ) with filter change for the 2.5 L - V6 engine
You go to a mechanic.
On a Ford Contour , 2.5 litre V6 engine : firewall 1-----2-----3 4-----5-----6 front of vehicle > driver
To answer your question , When you open the hood and look in from the front. On the left side near the back corner is the canister.
First and formost, what engine? i4 for a v6?
For a 1998 Ford Contour ( in North America ) Either the 2.0 L four cylinder or the 2.5 L , V6 engine
A 2000 Ford Contour ( in North America ) Has either a 2.0 litre four cylinder or a 2.5 litre V6 engine