Will not start/run, acts like not getting fuel

CUCAMONGAN

MEMBER
1998 FORD CONTOUR

This car is a 1998 Ford Contour 2.5L V6, 104,000 miles. The car has been sitting for a while(4-6 months) , because the starter went out. Replaced the starter and now it wont start. it has a 1/2 tank of gas. I pushed the schrader fuel valve on the engine for fuel, and it dribbled out, so I replaced the fuel filter.(original at 104,000 miles) after that, I had better pressure, as it squirt out of the schrader fuel valve. Still no start.
I cleaned out the Throttle Body, thought it might help. I used carburetor/throttle body cleaner. It still had some in the intake as I put it together. The car started, but it ran for 2 seconds. So, I shot some more cleaner in the intake and it started again, but ran only for 2-3 seconds.
My guess is that it is not getting fuel, as if the fuel injectors are not firing.
I ask you for you help in getting this car going. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks!

5 Replies

KIN CHAN

MEMBER
453 POSTS

Sounds like bad fuel pump. Check power to the pump during crank. Must be battery voltage. Also place a pressure gauge inline to the injector supply side. Need to have more than 30 psi. If you have good voltage to the pump and no or not enough pressure.

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Monday, February 19th, 2007 AT 5:57 AM

CUCAMONGAN

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Update:
New Fuel Pump: no change. What a bear to drop the tank. (I later learned that you can access the electrical from under the rear seat).
New Starter, tested the old one and it was fine.
Car still acts like it has a dead spot in the starter.
When It will crank, I tested for the pulsing of the fuel Injectors, They pulse.
I have not pulled codes yet, though the engine light is not on. I will Pull codes next (I guess I can rent one from AutoZone?)
I am thinking a Computer has not working/malfunction and prevents this car from running. What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance.

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Monday, March 19th, 2007 AT 1:07 AM

CUCAMONGAN

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I rented a OBD - II Code Reade from AutoZone = No codes whatsoever.
I tried to floor it while trying to start. Nothing, it just cranks. I might have heard it trying to compress and fire a cylinder or 2.
I sprayed carburetor cleaner into the intake manifold and it started and ran just fine for a couple of seconds.
I went to go check the timing, but I found 3 timing marks on the timing cover, but no marks on the Crank.
How do I check the timing on this thing?
Also, another thing I have noticed, is whenever I remove the key, or turn it to the off position, whenever I try to start it again, It will not crank. I have to jump the starter in order to use the starter. After I jump it, it cranks fine!
This brings up a question: Is there a Anti-Theft device that can be causing ALL these problems? It only has a key, but no key-less remote entry, But I think I came with one from the dealership.
Thanks again!

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Friday, March 23rd, 2007 AT 4:36 PM

CUCAMONGAN

MEMBER
7 POSTS

After many headaches and dead ends, I towed it down to the local dealership. They pretty much diagnosed it as the key I had was faulty and was tripping the anti theft system. $265.00 later for diagnostics and 2 new keys cut and Encrypted, I was driving down the road!

Hope this helps to others in the future.

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+1

Friday, April 27th, 2007 AT 1:30 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Just to add the starting and running for 2 seconds is an indicator that there is an alarm system issue. A fuel issue would make sense if the vehicle starts for a brief second using starter fluid.

So this repair makes sense and will surly help others.