1999 ford contour cannot turn the key for ignition to start

Probably can't be done if it is late enough to be fitted with a security system. In that case the key will have a coded transponder which the system will recognise and send a signal the the engine management to switch it on.

You either need a correctly coded key or remove the engine ECU and have it decoded.

You need to turn the wheel a bit harder in whatever direction the wheels are turned as you turn the ignition

As cars age, the key lock gets worn. Insert the key, and simultaneously try to turn the key while rocking the wheel left to right. It should release the lock. Many times if there is back pressure from the wheels, it will make the lock difficult.
Set the brake and let the wheel relax before locking the ignition.

You need to find that key. It had a chip in it right? And that is why the dealer says he can't help you. If you have the owners manual, check to see if you have a key number in there. If not, you need a donor car, get the ignition, key and computer out of it. And this is no guarantee, but the computer has to read the chip or it won't start the car. There might be a sensor of some type in the steering column or in the dash board. I know that GM cars, when the key is broken, or demands a new key, the old key is glued up in the dashboard for the computer to read while a new key with no chip turns on the ignition. Hope this helps.

under the dash probe the grey with white wire com ing from the ignition switch crank over the car with the key at the same time check the grey with white wire for voltage, if there is no voltage it could be the ignition switch, if there is voltage, check the fuse under the hood for the starter you could also swap the starter relay with a different one

Most the time the engine dies while driving is due to a crankshaft sensor failure. When this fails, the engine can't be started since the ECM doesn't know the location of TDC to provide proper ignitions. Have a shop check out and replace this part then you are good to be back on the road. Good luck.

for 98 contour issue. TSB 98-21-14 not covered by warranty

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include the 1999 Cougar . ISSUE: The ignition key may be difficult to insert or remove and/or key chimes may sound with the ignition key removed and driver's door open on some vehicles. This may be caused by internal design characteristics in the ignition lock cylinder increasing insertion/removal efforts which may allow the lock cylinder to stick.
ACTION: Install a revised ignition lock cylinder. The revised ignition lock cylinder should reduce the possibility of high insertion/removal efforts and ensure proper chime function. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer concern.
2. Observe the ignition lock cylinder as the key is removed. If the lock cylinder snaps outward to the non-depressed position and the chimes stop sounding, continue to Step 3. If it does not snap outward, replace the ignition lock cylinder with the appropriate cylinder by referring to the Parts Block in this article.
3. Insert and remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder. If binding or high efforts are encountered, replace the ignition lock cylinder.
4. From the Parts Block, select a lock cylinder with a part number suffix identical to the center character of the key code of the vehicle. The suffix must match the center key code character to maintain a single key system.
5. Install the replacement lock cylinder, by referring to the 1998 Contour/Mystique Workshop Manual, Section 211-05 or the 1999 Cougar Workshop Manual, Section 211-04. NOTE: KEYS INCLUDED WITH NEW IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS ARE CUT FOR THE IGNITION ONLY. IN ORDER FOR THE KEYS TO FUNCTION IN THE DOOR LOCKS, THE KEYS MUST BE CUT TO THE DOOR CODE OF THE ORIGINAL LOCKSET. THE KEY CODE WILL CHANGE UPON INSTALLATION OF THE REPLACEMENT LOCK CYLINDER (FIGURE 1).
   
   
   Figure 1 - Article 98-21-14
   
   NOTE: ADVISE THE CUSTOMER TO DISCARD ALL KEYS THAT WERE CUT TO THE ORIGINAL IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER.
   
6. Record the new key code on the repair order and provide to the customer. Advise the customer to record the new key code in a permanent location and to discard all references to the original key code. NOTE: REPLACEMENT IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS ARE SHIPPED WITH NON-PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) KEYS. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PATS, OBTAIN TWO (2) ROTUNDA KEY BLANKS (OR OTHER FORD AUTHORIZED BLANKS, SUCH AS: ILCO, STRATTEC, CURTIS, HUF, OR VALEO) AND CUT TO THE REVISED KEY CODE. USE OF OTHER UNAUTHORIZED KEYS MAY CAUSE ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE PATS SYSTEM.
   
7. Program PATS keys using one of the two following methods:
   

(1) For vehicles with Integrated PATS (IPATS), function built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and built beginning:

• 2/2/98 Kansas City (Contour/Mystique)
• 2/16/98 Mexico (Contour/Mystique)
• All 1999 Cougars

Using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester equipped with Service card (green) level 3.0 or higher:

1. From NGS menu, select:
   • Service Bay Functions
   • PCM
   • Enter Security Access (10 minute delay)
   • Ignition Key-Code-Erase
2. Disconnect Data Link Connector (DLC).
3. Cycle the first non-programmed key in the ignition to run position for at least 3 seconds and then turn to the off position.
4. Cycle the second non-programmed key in the ignition to run position. The theft indicator should prove out for 3 seconds.
5. Verify the vehicle will now start using both keys.
   

(2) For Contours/Mystiques with Stand Alone PATS and built before:

• 2/2/98 Kansas City
• 2/16/98 Mexico

Using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester equipped with Service card (green) level 1.0 or higher:

1. From NGS menu, select:
   • Service Bay Functions
   • PATS
   • Ignition Key-Code-Erase (this process may take up to 8 minutes to complete )
2. Disconnect DLC.
3. Cycle first unprogrammed key in the ignition to run position. First key will program and allow vehicle to start.
4. Again cycle first programmed key to run position. Within 15 seconds, remove original key and turn new unprogrammed key to run position. The theft indicator should prove out for 2 seconds. New key will start vehicle.
5. Repeat this process for additional key programming. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE NOTED FOR THE PART NUMBER BLOCK:
   • Part Number suffix will match center character in key code
   • Logo on key is Ford for Contour models
   • Logo on key is Mercury for Mystique and Cougar models
   
   

PART NUMBER PART NAME F5RZ-11582-A Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-B Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-C Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-D Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-E Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RY-11582-A Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-B Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-C Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-D Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-E Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar)

Go To www.contour.org and sign up. Search their forums. I'm sure your question has been asked and answered there on more than a couple of occasions.

PATS system doesn't disable the ignition , fuel or it will stop the engine from cranking. Disables the starter . No spark , look at crankshaft position sensor .

this is for 98, but may apply if yours is late 97 build.

Article No.
98-21-14

• IGNITION SWITCH - HIGH EFFORT IGNITION KEY INSERTION/REMOVAL AND/OR KEY CHIMES SOUND WITH DOOR OPEN AND IGNITION KEY REMOVED

Publication Date: OCTOBER 15, 1998
FORD: 1998 CONTOUR LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1998 MYSTIQUE
1999 COUGAR
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include the 1999 Cougar . ISSUE: The ignition key may be difficult to insert or remove and/or key chimes may sound with the ignition key removed and driver's door open on some vehicles. This may be caused by internal design characteristics in the ignition lock cylinder increasing insertion/removal efforts which may allow the lock cylinder to stick.
ACTION: Install a revised ignition lock cylinder. The revised ignition lock cylinder should reduce the possibility of high insertion/removal efforts and ensure proper chime function. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer concern.
2. Observe the ignition lock cylinder as the key is removed. If the lock cylinder snaps outward to the non-depressed position and the chimes stop sounding, continue to Step 3. If it does not snap outward, replace the ignition lock cylinder with the appropriate cylinder by referring to the Parts Block in this article.
3. Insert and remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder. If binding or high efforts are encountered, replace the ignition lock cylinder.
4. From the Parts Block, select a lock cylinder with a part number suffix identical to the center character of the key code of the vehicle. The suffix must match the center key code character to maintain a single key system.
5. Install the replacement lock cylinder, by referring to the 1998 Contour/Mystique Workshop Manual, Section 211-05 or the 1999 Cougar Workshop Manual, Section 211-04. NOTE: KEYS INCLUDED WITH NEW IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS ARE CUT FOR THE IGNITION ONLY. IN ORDER FOR THE KEYS TO FUNCTION IN THE DOOR LOCKS, THE KEYS MUST BE CUT TO THE DOOR CODE OF THE ORIGINAL LOCKSET. THE KEY CODE WILL CHANGE UPON INSTALLATION OF THE REPLACEMENT LOCK CYLINDER (FIGURE 1).
   
   
   Figure 1 - Article 98-21-14
   
   NOTE: ADVISE THE CUSTOMER TO DISCARD ALL KEYS THAT WERE CUT TO THE ORIGINAL IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER.
   
6. Record the new key code on the repair order and provide to the customer. Advise the customer to record the new key code in a permanent location and to discard all references to the original key code. NOTE: REPLACEMENT IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS ARE SHIPPED WITH NON-PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) KEYS. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PATS, OBTAIN TWO (2) ROTUNDA KEY BLANKS (OR OTHER FORD AUTHORIZED BLANKS, SUCH AS: ILCO, STRATTEC, CURTIS, HUF, OR VALEO) AND CUT TO THE REVISED KEY CODE. USE OF OTHER UNAUTHORIZED KEYS MAY CAUSE ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE PATS SYSTEM.
   
7. Program PATS keys using one of the two following methods:
   

(1) For vehicles with Integrated PATS (IPATS), function built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and built beginning:

• 2/2/98 Kansas City (Contour/Mystique)
• 2/16/98 Mexico (Contour/Mystique)
• All 1999 Cougars

Using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester equipped with Service card (green) level 3.0 or higher:

1. From NGS menu, select:
   • Service Bay Functions
   • PCM
   • Enter Security Access (10 minute delay)
   • Ignition Key-Code-Erase
2. Disconnect Data Link Connector (DLC).
3. Cycle the first non-programmed key in the ignition to run position for at least 3 seconds and then turn to the off position.
4. Cycle the second non-programmed key in the ignition to run position. The theft indicator should prove out for 3 seconds.
5. Verify the vehicle will now start using both keys.
   

(2) For Contours/Mystiques with Stand Alone PATS and built before:

• 2/2/98 Kansas City
• 2/16/98 Mexico

Using the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester equipped with Service card (green) level 1.0 or higher:

1. From NGS menu, select:
   • Service Bay Functions
   • PATS
   • Ignition Key-Code-Erase (this process may take up to 8 minutes to complete )
2. Disconnect DLC.
3. Cycle first unprogrammed key in the ignition to run position. First key will program and allow vehicle to start.
4. Again cycle first programmed key to run position. Within 15 seconds, remove original key and turn new unprogrammed key to run position. The theft indicator should prove out for 2 seconds. New key will start vehicle.
5. Repeat this process for additional key programming. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE NOTED FOR THE PART NUMBER BLOCK:
   • Part Number suffix will match center character in key code
   • Logo on key is Ford for Contour models
   • Logo on key is Mercury for Mystique and Cougar models
   
   

PART NUMBER PART NAME F5RZ-11582-A Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-B Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-C Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-D Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RZ-11582-E Ignition Lock Cylinder (Contour) F5RY-11582-A Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-B Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-C Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-D Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar) F5RY-11582-E Ignition Lock Cylinder (Mystique, Cougar