I have a '98 2.5L w/ 115k miles. I also have had this problem for about the last year. It is very intermittent, no apparent pattern. Pwr windows, HVAC blower work fine. I've had it into the dealer twice, but they cannot find it. Plugs/wires/fuel pump/IAC Valve were also just recently replaced.
HERE IS THE KEY POINT - A Contour owner friend experiencing same problem suggested using Starting Fluid, which had worked for him. I just tried this the last two occurences and it worked both times! I'm no expert - if starting fluid does the trick, then what would that indicate?? At least I have a backup plan rather than being stranded, but I'd like to have wife drive car occasionally and she obviously cannot do this.
Maybe this piece of info will help others, but we need to put our heads together and cure this problem. HELP!!
