'98 Contour V6, not getting fuel?

[Cucamongan]

I have got a '98 Ford Contour V6 104K miles that has really got me stumped
IT has 2 major problems, they might be related, and they may not...
Any help is appreciated...
Problem #1: When I removed the key, or turn it to the off position, when I go and try to start the car again, I have to jump the starter solenoid (on the starter) to get it to crank. After that, It will crank with the key just fine.
I thought it had a dead spot in the starter. replaced it. Same problem.

Problem #2
Car will not start/run.
I noticed the fuel pressure was weak, so I replaced the fuel filter,a little better, but not quite right. So I dropped the gas tank (what a FreakIn Bear!) and replaced the fuel pump (expensive li'l bugger).
No change.
I verified spark.
I verified compression (don't know how much since my gauge would fit)
I even checked that the Fuel Injectors were pulsating while cranking.
I can spray carb cleaner into the intake and it will start and run for a couple of seconds, but thats it. I can do it over and over again and again, just to run only as long as it has carb cleaner sprayed into it.
Rechecked the fuel pressure, no it has ZERO fuel pressure..... grrrr....
I even went to Autozone and rented an OBD II code scanner and read the codes... ZERO codes to read...
Did a compute component get fried or ???
Anyone have similar problems?

Thanks in advance.

[goon]

is the secuity system activated!!!!!!!!!look on the dash and the blinking light flashing real fast.

[Cucamongan]

I see the light your talking about,

it blinks slowly, like once very 2-3 seconds.

Also, this car did not come with a keyless entry remote keychain. Could it be tripped and I have no way to turn it off without the remote?

Thanks!

[goon]

no the secuity system reads a chip thats in the key did yoiu try another key

[Cucamongan]

Ah yes, Encrypted Keys...
I *think* '98 was the last year before they switched over to encrypted keys.

I had to deal with that get Repro for my dad's '05 Ford Truck

Get this, I got some new keys of eBay, had 'em cut, when I went to go start the car with a repro key, it cranked like it normally should! once... go figure...

and actually while cranking the red light just stays on...

Any one have a Haynes or Chilton manual that says "Next, try this...." other than me "Just get your biggest gun out and shoot it. Twice."

[Cucamongan]

oh yeah, I forgot to answer the question.

No, It only came with 1 key

[Cucamongan]

Hello all,
I got the solution, it was expensive, but I will share my hard learned expertise....

Problem # 1 and #2 were directly related.
I finally gave up, after all the headaches and cursing sessions. I towed it down to the local stealership. They basically said, It'll be $105.23 to look at it and diagnose the problems. Fine.
So they looked at it and said lots of things, but the most important is that: Your key is not working, you need 2 new keys cut and programmed. They wanted to charge me $310 for Diagnostic, 2 keys to be cut and Programmed, and labor to reassemble. I told them I took it all apart (which I did) I can put it back together. I got it down to $265 for Diagnostics and the 2 keys.

I went down to pick it up and paid my $265 bill and drove away.(and they actually did put it back together for me!)

I then got about 1 mile and them it started misfiring and the gauges did not work, and the battery was dead. I Immediately took it back and left it on there in their shop.

They called and let me know it was the Alternator and battery and cables. OK, whatever. thats is something that I can take care of...

SO, after the break down, it was very satisfying to get into the car and have it start and me drive away.

Amazing what a set of 2 keys can do! (AND COST!!!)

Hopefully this will help someone else in the Future!

[BoogieStangConv]

WOW I just bought a 98 Contour.
I don't think that the fuel system is my problem, but then again it might be...
The car was bought in an auction and does not have the key, thus I had one cut from the vin-#. Funny thing is that the key only worked on the doors and not the ignition or trunk.
I took it back and asked them to double check the key, make sure that it doesn't need a chip...and it didn't. They even sharpened it up some more and it wouldn't turn.

So I took it upon myself to just hotwire the car and see if it would at least start...but Of course it would not.
I do have a little security light to the left of my Steering wheel, but it does not light up.
I'm just wondering exactly how I would know if the anti-theft device is working or not.