I have a 1999 Ford Contour SE that had to be towed this weekend. When I started the car it would attempt to start, but not actually turn over. This happened about 4 months ago and by the time I had a friend come over and look at it, the car started. I still took the car into the mechanics and they told me that they could not find anything wrong. Now this weekend we left my car for a couple of hours and came back, and the car still would not start. So, we towed the car to the mechanics (a different one) and left the car until Monday. We checked the car again before we left. Now I get a call from the mechanics stating that my car is starting fine and they can not find any problems.

If anyone has had this same problem or has a suggestion on what the potential problem is, it would greatly appreciated.

crankshaft position sensor

make sure the 3 main plugs for the wiring harnesses, located next to the passenger side strut tower and rear valve cover are nice and tight. You almost have to clamp them down with a set of vice grips so they lock.

Coil pack might be on its way out.

Those are the only things that come to mind right now.

I just read about your contour problem cause I was looking for a solution to mine.I have a 2000 contour that's doing the same thing-it turns over, but won't crank and it was towed a month ago, but they couldn't find anything wrong cause it cranked up and started running fine for the garage,then a week ago it wouldn't crank for me again and has been sitting in my driveway ever since.We've tried out different things,but to no avail.Did u ever find out what was wrong?Please help!!!!!!!Thanks!

Have you had the control module tested under the coil packs for your spark plug wires and plugs. These things do weird things when they get cold or water on them. Could be intermittent problem but they can test these and your coil packs at your local parts stores.