Ford ContourFord Contour combines sporty driving dynamics with the comfort and practicality of a four-door sedan. It doesn't have the rear-seat space of a Taurus, but Ford improved rear legroom and revised the styling. Contour SVT pours on the coal with a higher output version of the Duratec V6, a sports suspension and bigger brakes.
99 Ford Contour its on its last legs and I just have to get through the winter. Feels like -11 right now. #### all that.
Anyways, it won't cold start, did this last year, but winter was pretty mild.
One of my car buddy guy dude things told me to check the Cold Start Valve from the fuel pump. Supposedly he rigged some up to work again, with a switch.
Is the Cold Start Valve the cause of the problem? Is it the fuel pump? Will I die on my way to work tomorrow night?
Thanks!
Last edited by mark v; 12-24-2008 at 02:59 PM..
Reason: Swearing
The cold start valve dumps extra fuel down the intake manifold when the ECM receives a certain temperature signal from the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT). Maybe your ECT is malfunctioning, or the cold start valve plugged. Have you tried to pull the codes?
Maybe you just need a new battery.
I'd have the battery checked out. My 95 wouldn't start in some harsh winters, all because 1 cell in the battery had gone bad. Check that first, any AutoZone etc can test your battery, usually for free.
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Dave '00 Tropic Green SVT Contour \ #905 of 2150, born 12/14/99 \ knauberized \ Pioneer H/U \ topshop eyelids \ painted oval
The battery seems to be fine, it checked out great this time last year and I haven't had any problems with it since then.
Just tried spraying carb cleaner / starting fluid past MAF and onto the airbox, still no start.
When we tried to pull codes from it a couple months ago the only thing we could get was that it was running lean on the left bank, and the o2 sensor in the cat
Check the battery again, they can go bad over the summer and function fine, until the harder starting winter months (happened to me).
Battery should be at 12v not running and around 14v with the car running. Also check the volts with the key in the cranking position, a severe drop would also indicate a bad battery.
Does the car click like the starter is engaging? If so, but that's all (just one click) check all your battery cables, my SVT did that a couple months ago, could clutch start it just fine (roll and pop the clutch). Positive cable had melted a bit and wasn't providing enough juice to the starter.
BTW what engine\trans do you have?
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Dave '00 Tropic Green SVT Contour \ #905 of 2150, born 12/14/99 \ knauberized \ Pioneer H/U \ topshop eyelids \ painted oval
when I finish this cup of coffee i will go out and check the volts coming off of the battery.
it's the 99 SE v6 2.5l.
So, did you check the battery? What was the result?
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BroncoJoe19
2006 Alt Fuel Jeep (electric)
'98 windstar 3.8L
'99 Crown Vic 4.6L
'90 Full Size Bronco 5.0L
I'm not a professional mechanic, take my suggestions with a grain of salt, or a cup of coffee
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So, did you check the battery? What was the result?
I was wondering the same thing. Even with one bad cell, mine would still start the car just fine until in got below a certain temp. I would take the battery some where that can test the cells, if even one is bad replace the battery.
Keep us posted.
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Dave '00 Tropic Green SVT Contour \ #905 of 2150, born 12/14/99 \ knauberized \ Pioneer H/U \ topshop eyelids \ painted oval
So, last night it was a wopping 29 degrees outside, and the car started fine. It was only a difference of +/- 13° from when the car died to when it worked again. Any thoughts?
I am just wondering if u are having the same problem as me, my did the same thing last winter...If i didnt start it 4 a day or 2 the battery would be dead(and my windshield wipers would go on)I got a new battery and it is doing the same thing this winter. They checked my alternator and said it was fine I am gonna take the battery 2 auto zone tomorrow and have it tested,but I think it is something else
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Won't cold start 
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