1998 Ford Contour Tranny Issues?

I have a 4 cylinder 98 Ford Contour. Reliable little car until a couple days ago. Now it's like first gear is out, and it barely moves, even flooring it. I found I can go from park or reverse to 2nd and then shift into drive once I've gotten to about 30mph, but I know I can't do that forever. I checked the tranny fluid and it looks like motor oil. I don't know how much the last owner knew about cars, so it very well could be! My question is… Would spending $100+ to get the tranny flushed be worth it? Some people said it will fix the problem, some people say it won't. I don't want to put any more money into the car if it isn't going to fix it!

Earth wires in boot, on ford cougar?

Earth wires in boot, on ford cougar? - 1

Added (1). Can you explain why there's 2 lots of earth/ground wires, in boot/trunk, of 2000 ford cougar?

What is causing my car's engine to die randomly?

It happened once, for the time, yesterday. I was driving along in my 1989 Ford Laser 1.3L Carb at 70kmph when all of a sudden, the engine stopped - without warning. Brakes worked fine but lost power steering. Car still had power as I was able to use my indicators and the clock was still working. So I pulled over to the side of the road, turned the key, it fired right back up, so I continued my journey.

It happened again this morning while travelling at 80kmph. This time I tried to start it while still rolling but to no avail. So I pulled over and it took about 10 seconds to start back up. It happened again today while travelling at 50kmph, but this time there was a little cough and splutter before it died completely. It happened a few more times today, even after putting in four new spark plugs. It seems to be getting more frequent though.

Anyone have any idea as to what the problem could be?