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.