Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Contour not getting fuel???

I was driving my car, when it just died, out of no where. So, I have been fiddling with it, and when I turn the key, it will almost start, but won't completely turn over. I'm pretty sure it isnt getting gas, so my first thoughts were fuel pump/filter. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what did you do to fix it. Thanks!

The first time you turn the key to "on" you should hear the fuel pump prime up the lines with pressure. (a 1-1.5 sec whirrrr from the back seat) Successive times won't do it, as the pressure will be there already. waiting a while will allow the pressure to release and it will prime again.

Do you hear that happen?

If not, check your fuel pump fuses. If so, determine if the engine is cranking over faster than a normal "not starting" engine. If so, you may need to add a teaspoon of oil to three of the cylinders to aid in regaining compression.

If the engine is cranking at a normal speed, and your fuel pump is priming/the fuses are good, then check to make sure of the following:

when you turn the key to "on" does the CEL illuminate then go off while cranking? if not the PCM may be faulty and won't allow the car to start. Checking the underhood fuses for the PCM (4 and 11) could also be a cause for a faulty PCM type of issue.

Also, try pressing the pedal to the flooeboard and cranking.. this sends a signal to shut off the injectors and will stop fuel flow while cranking, in case you flooded the car with fuel. It will pump the fuel out, allowing you to "start from scratch" without being flooded.

Welcome .

I turned the key, and I did hear the whirr of the fuel pump, I think. The fuses were checked earlier and they all seem to be in good shape. The fuel relay switch under the drivers side dash, is pressed down and can't be pressed anymore, my first thought was that was what it was. But I can't press it to reset it. I have also tried putting the pedal to the floor, it sounds like it will start, but it still won't fully turn over. The car seems to be cranking at normal speed. I'm going to go out there tomorrow and jump it off again, and see about the CEL. I will post tomorrow to let you know. Thanks for the help and any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!

I had the same problem in my 4 banger. I would be highway driving (70mph) and when I had to slow down to pay a toll the car would shut off. My problem was dirty fuel filter. Then I a few weeks later I had a bad 02 sensor (bank 1).

**Update**

We have replaced the fuel filter, and that wasn't the problem. I can hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key. We are thinking now its maybe not a fuel problem. We are starting to think its some sort of sensor. Maybe a cam position sensor or something like that? Any help here will be appreciated. We are stumped...

Have you tried changing the oil... That may sound funny but you may have a dirty/Sticking VCT solenoid. Just a thought

Throw a timing light inline on one of the sparks to make sure you have spark, don't try jumping wire to ground, or using anyother spark tester but a calibrated one. Light would be best, to see you have spark. Anthing else can cause damage to the coil pack or you.

PCM should be fine if the fuel pump turns on, it controlls the fuel pump relay. Was there ever a CEL prior too this?

Maybe one or more faulty plugs, loose/bad wires. Was it raining? Go threw any puddles?

Also check under car after pump runs and look for leaks, the pressure should spray gas, smell around the car too.

Not the fix, but some things too check. Hope it helps.

It would really help if you would tells us the year, engine, and transmission.