Introduction
As a licensed Auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Contours that refuse to start. And believe me, I understand how annoying it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing!
But fear not, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to walk you through the most frequent reasons why your Ford Contour won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide practical troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of hands-on experience, so you can get your Ford Contour starting and back on the road as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Contour Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s important to first comprehend the problem. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Contour won’t start”, this could be because of an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe it’s a case where the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe you can hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, but in the end nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can indicate different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Contour Won’t Start
There are various factors why a Contour fails to start up. These issues usually consist of a weak or dead car battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system issues, along with electrical or circuitry complications. Each one of these problems can show up as different symptoms and require different solutions to detect and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Ford Contour That Won’t Start
Being able to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the root cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your car still can’t start, it can be an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Contour Won’t Start
The very first step to discovering a practical solution to the problem is figuring out the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s explore the most common reasons your Contour fails to start.
Ford Contour Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Contour can’t start is, in many cases the result of your battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to charge up your car’s battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery provides the electric required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Contour. Symptoms of a bad battery problem in a Contour, can be things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Ford Contour Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A faulty alternator can easily prevent your Ford Contour from starting as it will not be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete all the way down until it’s completely drained and you don’t realize it until you get in your Contour and it won’t start. Symptoms that your Contours alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Ford Contour Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Ford. If the starter motor is damaged in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Contour won’t start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not typically by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding sound during the start-up, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Contour Fuel System Complications
Now we’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Contour uses a combustion engine, andfor that reason to start and run, it needs a combination of both fuel and air. If your Contour problems are part of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the vehicle up and running. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Ford Contour Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Contours rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older Ford Contour, you can still have typical problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical reasons why your vehicle can’t start up. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can vary vastly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Contour can start however just intermittently or some alert lights show on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have found out what the reason for your car failing to start is. The next logical step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some pointers for the common issues we’ve covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Contour
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you must do is examine the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are indeed corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Contour’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably run out of life once again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs swapped out for a new one. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Ford model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Ford Contour, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Contour’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Traveling mechanics service near me.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Contour
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting troubles, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It’s most likely due to a fault with the alternator if you notice that your Ford Contour dies fairly quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might harm the delicate electronic parts in your car, so its best to discuss this with an experienced mechanic in your area or online, prior to ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Contour
If you suspect the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Contour failing to start, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Issues in a Ford Contour
If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you discover your Ford is hard to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it might be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional car mechanic in order to properly repair. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Contour
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, initially examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Contour starts after this, then it was an effective, cheap and easy repair! However, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard, it could be because of a damaged sensor. These issues can be extremely complicated and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to identify and have it properly repaired. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you avoid any Ford Contour starting troubles again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Ford Contour:
Routine maintenance of your Ford Contour is key to avoid future problems. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your car inspected by a reliable car mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you are unsure or not sure about the routine upkeep jobs required for your particular car.
Drive Your Ford Contour Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Contour in the driveway for long durations of time without driving it, the battery may run out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine running regularly. Try your best to drive your car frequently to keep the battery full of juice. Take it for a fast spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you haven’t driven your Ford for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything strange like uncommon sounds, a difference in driving and performance, or warning lights showing on your Ford Contours dashboard, do not disregard them. These can be early indications of an issue and are best being addressed ASAP so that they don’t become larger problems later. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be addressed.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want a professional Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve tried to solve it for yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your car can’t start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a terrific choice. It certainly beats googling things like “why my Ford wont start” all day and still getting no where.
Benefits of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous advantages. You can get professional Ford mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly helpful if your car won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, need a second opinion, or you simply like having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can provide instantaneous aid, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Bronco-II won’t start or it’s your Contour that you’re having issues with, we’ve got the mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You’re able to have the ability to explain the issues you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them by means of online chat or by telephone call, whichever you prefer. The Ford mechanic online will help you diagnose the problem, guide you on the best course of action for your individual scenario and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our talk to a Ford mechanic free service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To summarize, when your Ford Contour fails to start, it will likely be a major downer and a massive hassle. However, understanding what may be triggering the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a substantial help. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is essential for avoiding all vehicle problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Contour doesn’t start?
To start with, don’t panic. Try to identify any signs that might suggest an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely among the main causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will need the assistance of a Ford mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Ford Contour won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Contour consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If the battery is old or weak, it may be best to simply swap it for a newer one.
How can I prevent my Ford Contour not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never takes place once again, regular maintenance is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and getting your Ford Contour inspected by a mechanic often. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the car routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Contour will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply immediate specialist Ford mechanic help and suggestions, without you having to leave your home. This is particularly useful if your car fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Contour fails to start?
We link you with certified expert Ford mechanics who can offer advice on your specific situation. You can tell them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly explain and show the issue. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, identify the issue, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
