NEED HELP! Contour Trouble

[JandB]

98 Ford Contour. We have replaced the alt. the battery, the cables, the computer and the belt!! Now we have a problem...hahah What started as, what we thought was, the battery has morphed! When we put the new computer in, the car ran for a little while but now it is not getting spark and the injectors are not getting fuel. The shop says it may be the anti theft but it never worked before. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And if anyone knows how to remove the anti-theft that may help as well.

[dacker]

Originally Posted by JandB

98 Ford Contour. We have replaced the alt. the battery, the cables, the computer and the belt!! Now we have a problem...hahah What started as, what we thought was, the battery has morphed! When we put the new computer in, the car ran for a little while but now it is not getting spark and the injectors are not getting fuel. The shop says it may be the anti theft but it never worked before. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And if anyone knows how to remove the anti-theft that may help as well.

Some things to check\look for:

Fuel issue: Do you hear whir noise when you first turn the key on, just before starting, if not, your fuel pump is probably dead, not uncommon with the Contours, especially if they are run low on fuel alot.

No Spark: Check all fuses and relays first. It may have fried the main fuse (no. 1) or the PCM fuse, also check to make sure everything is secure at the coil pack.

and

1. Verify that PATS is properly proving out at power-up. If it doesn't, the starter motor is disabled and the car won't crank.

2. If PATS is proving out properly, the PCM outputs a signal that, in series with the clutch interlock switch (not sure if your's is a 5-spd or auto), the starter diode, and the ignition switch, allows the starter relay (in the under-hood power box) to energize. When the starter relay energizes, battery power is directed to the starter motor to engage it and to crank the motor.

[JandB]

The car is automatic if it helps. OK all fuses are good and I think our problem is..it did not run long enough after we replaced the computer for it to reset, and I think the anti theft (which did not work before) has now activated. We are not getting spark or fuel to the injectors. I am not sure what to do. The last mechanic charged 65 dollors and said "I don't know what is wrong with it" ALOT of help he was.

[dacker]

Originally Posted by JandB

The car is automatic if it helps. OK all fuses are good and I think our problem is..it did not run long enough after we replaced the computer for it to reset, and I think the anti theft (which did not work before) has now activated. We are not getting spark or fuel to the injectors. I am not sure what to do. The last mechanic charged 65 dollors and said "I don't know what is wrong with it" ALOT of help he was.

Try disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes. That should reset the computer. Try that and see what happens. Just out of curiosity, is your PATs light now flashing when the car is off (should be a red light on the dash under the center HVAC vents)

[JandB]

Yes but the light has flashed since she got the car but now I think with the new computer we have somehow reset the whole thing.......we tried the battery thing but that did not work. You happen to know how to disable that completly??

[dacker]

Not sure how to disable it completely, I'm going to call in the help of a much wiser 'Tour owner (SVT2059) she really knows her stuff also.

Here is some stuff I found that may\may not be helpful.

1. Does your red flashing LED light push in (I doubt it). If it does, push it in, if you get a double flash that means the ignition lock out is now disabled (this may have only been an option in 95 models). If that works and you are able to start the car, shut the car off and push it again immediately, that should disarm it until that button is pushed again.

2. Do you have key fob(remotes) If so, try locking the car via remote, then unlocking, this also is kind of an odd setup but a few cars have it, known as the Ford System 4 Alarm I believe.


Not that this is inspiring, but since both of the above are not common OEM setups for the Contour (dealer added) I doubt these will work, but yeah, anything is worth a try!

Let me know. Again, I'm going to PM SVT2059 and have her take a look at this, she may be able to offer some insight that I have missed. We are both long time Contour owners\enthusiasts. Don't let this sour you on the cars, they are great cars, and if you treat em right, they return the favor!