HI im am a newbie to the ford family and i have a problem. My 96 Ford Contour GL will not start. It does crank just doesn't turn over. There is another thing that worries me though. When I turn the key to the on position the check engine light doesnt come on. Now I think it is supposed to come on then go off after a few seconds, or am I wrong? If there is anyone that can help I would greatly appreciate it. Thanx in advanced.

Sounds like u probably have fuel pump bad?

If the Check Engine light is supposed to come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, andthe engine is trying to turn over but won't start, it appears the problem is electrical. I don't think your particular model has a volt gauge, but if it does, what is the output? If you can, jump-start the carand drive it to AutoZone to have the battery and alternator tested for free. Take jumper cables with you.

If the battery and alternator test okay, then askAutoZone to run the ECU codes. They'll do this for free also.

updates please. Why do people here only post problems, and never their fixes.

ok i couldnt jump it it still wouldnt start i bought a new battery and had the alternator tested all good. I do think it is an electrical problem. cause ive pretty much tried everything else..

Is the enginestill trying to turn over, or are you only getting a clicking noise from thestarter at this point? Do you hear the fuel pump click on?

Is your car completely stock? If not, what has been modified,and when in relation to when the problem occurred?

How long have you owned this car? When was the last time it ran properly, and was anything repaired or replaced since then?

yes it still turns over and i really dont know how to listen for the fuel pump. it has been down for a month now, yes completly stock, It just wouldnt start on me on day i went to go to work. nothing has been repaired or replaced except the battery. i wanted to find the problem before i just started fixing things.

i also had the same problem... this is a ground problem... the battery should have one ground cable alone with a metal peice that mose off with 3-4 more... pull your battery and untape all of them... one of them is bad. the fule pump wouldnt prime and the check engine light was on really dim when key was off... but when turned to on, it would go out. its a normal contour problem... note: this is one of the wires that runs into the bottem of the power distrabution box. its used to power up the ecu / relay set. the i found this was i had someone sit in the car with the key in the off position so the light was on, then you go out and wiggle the ground cables till the light goes out, it should then start right up. then wiggle each one by itself, till the car stalls. find and replace the wire.