I'm having the exact same issue with my car right now. I initially thought IMRC too, but have now realized (thanks to the guys on here) that it is probably the fuel pump. I didn't think that would be it since the one I have was replaced under warranty only about a year ago. I did manage to get my backseat up and look at the fuel pump. It takes some muscling, but it came up and went back down fine.
Since we're on the topic, though, do they make a return style pump for the Contour, or do you need to use the Focus SVT pump? I've been trying to decide whether to attempt this myself thinking that if it is the Focus SVT pump that a garage might not be willing to put a part into a car that didn't belong. I'm not all that mechanically inclined (at least for car stuff), so if there is a return style Contour pump I'll be very happy!
If there is, does anybody know the replacement cost at a garage? I can't believe that it would be $590. I think the warranty cost of my last one was in the $300 range.
