Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Please Help, Trouble Starting

Have a 2000 Contour, running fairly well up till last nite.
car stalled at stop sign, would not start. Got it home with help and still can not find out why it will not start.
The engine seems to turn over ok, the plugs seem to be firing, but no start.
This car is my son's car, about 3hrs away, am heading up this pm to help.
Any help or direction please.

another thing, about 3500 on new timing belt, plugs and wires. (I do not know what kind, was done at a shop).

Main things to make sure of are fuel and spark.

Edit: Should have clarified a bit more. I noticed you said that it "seemed" as if the plugs were firing. Did you check for sure?

Verify spark.
Check fuel pressure at Schraeder valve (>40psi).
Check timing belt. If installed over bad pulleys it may be gone again.

Yes, I did verify that we have spark. I have no way to know if timing is correct.

I was told by someone that the problem is the fuel pump.
can this be changed from the inside of car? (remove rear seat)??
I do not know how I would drop the tank where it is, and
do not know how I would get it home to work on it.
It will cost a fortune to have it towed from where it is.

yes you can lift up the rear set cushion to remove the fuel pump.
Although you may have to cut some of the metal to get the pump fully out.
On pre 98's Contours you didn't have this issue.

How to fuel pump from Autozone.

A $40 fuel pressure gauge is a great tool to have around. It will tell you if the pump and regulator are working.