1998 Ford Contour won't start up all the time

IF ITS NOT CRANKING OVER-

Make sure/check:
1. Battery terminals are clean and tight.
2. Battery wires are not shorting out/broken etc.
3. Wires going to the starter are tight.
4. Car alarm(if equipped) is disabled.
5. Starter Relay is working

If its all good, could be a worn out starter, OR:

Transmission-
IF AUTOMATIC--Put transmission in neutral- then try to crank. It could be the sensor- if it doesnt sense that its in park/neutral- it wont crank.

IF MANUAL- Could be the clutch switch/sensor worn out.

If none of that works- It possibly could be the ignition switch/computer-

IF IT IS CRANKING OVER-

Could be
- fuel pump
- computer

If you do these steps- it should solve ur problem.