2000 Contour hard starting

[ShakeEJake]

I'm hoping that someone could help me.

I have a 2000 Contour 4 cyclinder that sometimes has a hard time starting. Once started, it seems to run fine, even long drives. I've replaced the fuel filter, plugs and plug wires.

When cold, it might take 30 - 40 attempts to start and then it might start and run rough. Then, I turn it off and start it again and it runs fine.

It seems to be harder to start when the temperature dips. In the last few days, the temperature has varied between 45 to 70.

I'm thinking that it might be either a fuel pump or a fuel pressure regulator. The check engine light is NOT coming on.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Titanthedragon]

check the battery...when mine died you would not believe how retarded my 98 tried to kick over!

[Akseli]

Hei

My friend had Contour 2000 or 2001 and it didn't start in cold weather. Problem was leaking valves. That was amazing since car had only 25 000 miles.

Check compression pressure when engine is cold.

[zebradams]

Are you running cold plugs?