I have a 98 contour. It started great and now all of a sudden it won't stay running. When I turn the key it does start but if I don't give it gas immediately it dies.

Clean trottle body,Tune up,fuel filter,coils.

Unhook your battery again for about 15 minutes. After you re hook it up, let car sit with the key in the on position, but not running. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then turn key off, and start it. It may run rough for a few minutes as the sensors and systems are all resetting. If you try running it right away, or cold, it can confuse the regen process

yes its a fairly common fault with all VW motors from this age including skoda and seat

I have a Montero and it won't start with the key in the engine compartment but it will only start using my key pad what should I do i did just get another battery the other day could that be the problem

i know industry jargon can be confusing, but lets try this. if it turns over but won't start, it could be your ''ignition module'' that sits on top of the vave cover on the motor or it might be the fuel pump or filter. make sure when you crank the engine that the key is all the way turned or it may not always make a proper contact to activate the ignition module. iv'e seen this before & had to change the ignition switch & all worked ok after that. i would need to know engine lt size to give you more details on the matter. please get back to me.

put key in ignition and turn all the way like your'e going to start it but don't start it. the security light is going to be flashing. leave it for ten minutes like that until the security light turns solid(not blinking). Turn the key to off and then start it. The tumblers in the ignition lock cylinder are no good any more and the ignition switch needs to be replaced and reprogrammed.

Try giving it a shot of starting fluid. You don't say if it's actually firing. If it tries or runs for a few seconds off of the starting fluid then try changing the fuel pump relay. It's inside of the glove box on the left hand side behind the little door. If that doesn't work it's most likely the fuel pump.

If the security light is on, then it can only be one thing. The security system is failing and immobilizing your car. Go to this link and read up on the problem. The security light is a dead give away that the security is messed up. If you have no little black chip in the shaft of your key, then this means you must have a passlock that runs on the transponder. You need the PERMANENT fix from this site. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

It could be a number of things. Have you tried to run any codes yet?

98 FORD CONTOUR CAR DIED HAD FUEL PUMP REPLACED. TOLD IT NEEDED CAT AS WELL DONE ALSO. CAR STILL WONT START AND STAY RUNNING PROPERLY. WHEN IT DOES RUN ITS IN SHORT SPIRTS AND STRONG FUEL AND SMOKE COMES OUT OF TAILPIPE?