I hope somebody can give me some tips. I left my 1999 four cyl Ford Contour
parked for several weeks. Now it won'tstart. Thinking that the trouble
could've
been caused by a faulty battery, I purchased a brand new one. But still it
won't
start. The engine cranks but doesn't start. I know that the problem is fuel
related
and not electrical because when I spray starting fluid into the air intake
it does
start for about 3 seconds. I changed the fuel filter but it didn;t do any
good.
Somebody told me to keep the accelerator pedal depressed while cranking the
engine.
Today, I tried that and the engine did start and ran for about 15 seconds,
but then
it died. When turning the ignition key on I can hear the fuel pump for about
2-3 seconds. The car ran very well until I parked it for about 5 weeks.
Does anybody have a clue about what the problem may be and what I should
check next? I'm thinking that the fuel pump may be at fault. Is that it?
I'll appreciate
any help. Many thanks in advance.

Consider replacing the fuel filter. Be aware that the fuel system is
normally under significant pressure and fuel will spray when tubes are
disconnected.