Alternator? 98 Contour, 6cyl, 2.5L Duratec

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

Just replaced my battery last week, due to damaged battery (dry/low cells). Now my battery light started to come on faint and flickering.
I'll be testing the voltages etc but does anybody know if the alternator on the 98 is in same location as the 95 (re link http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=838883&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1) sounds like a huge job.... removing the tie rod etc
Where is the voltage regulator located & how do you determine if the problem is with the alternator or the voltage regulator?
Also, should i stop driving it altogether?

Any tips are greatly appreciated.... thanks

Yes, 98 alternator is in same location as the 95.

"Where is the voltage regulator located"
On the alternator. Check out Autozone's site for location of the VR on the alternator.

"the problem is with the alternator or the voltage regulator?"
For such a big pain to get to, most would just replace the entire alternator (unless, it looks brand spanking new). If you are getting high voltages, chances are it is the VR. If you are getting low voltages, chances are it is the alternator. Bear in mind, could just be the wirng issue.

"Also, should i stop driving it altogether?" If it is the alternator not charging enough, I think you can go for 70 miles or so if you drive without lights (radio, a/c, anything which requires load).

Edit. VR location (square? just below the regulator terminal). I tried, a few months ago, (just for the heck of it) to remove the VR without taking out the alternator. No go on that. Got my hand and screwdriver in place but not enough leverage to turn the screws to remove the VR.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1b/c2/fd/0900823d801bc2fd.jsp

Wiring issue.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1075508&Forum=trouble&Words=alternator&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=2&Limit=25&Old=3months&Main=1074524&Search=true#Post1075508

Tony.. dude you are all over the troubleshooting threads!! props to you man, looks you're shooting to take Ray's job (Ray, watch out for this guy)

Originally posted by GoldenTour:
Tony.. dude you are all over the troubleshooting threads!! props to you man, looks you're shooting to take Ray's job (Ray, watch out for this guy)

LOL Crystian. No moderator wannabe here. Just helping out a fellow CEGer whenever I can (as I am sure you would too).

Thanks for the quick reply.
Measured the battery: 12.18 not running, then dropped to 11.79 with the car running.
Guess I'm alternator shopping....

Tony is my Frankenstien...

LOLOL.

Ray

How possible is it that my problem is not the alternator but instead a problem with the 175 amp megafuse that supplies power to the alternator?

Or, something to do with the wiring?

Can anyone give me any further ideas before replacing the alternator?

Originally posted by klfdl:
How possible is it that my problem is not the alternator but instead a problem with the 175 amp megafuse that supplies power to the alternator?

Or, something to do with the wiring?

Can anyone give me any further ideas before replacing the alternator?

I would say that the probability is even for all of them; alternator, wiring or megafuse. But as I would suggest, do the easy and cheap ones first. I suggest that you check the wiring from battery to ground and battery to alternator (make sure nothing is loose or kinked or chafed) as well as clean the battery terminals. In addition, I suggest that you test the megafuse to make sure it is not blown. These are the cheap and easy things to do. Then only would I go with the alternator wiring fix or the alternator. Good luck.

Edit. If you haven't read this thread, read it and the one referenced in it too.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1078055&Forum=trouble&Words=alternator&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=1&Limit=25&Old=3weeks&Main=1078042&Search=true#Post1078055

I have a similar problem. All lights on my Contour flicker when the car is on idle. Even on the radio, they flicker a little. I replaced the battery because it kept dying on me. But, it appears to me that the alternator isn't putting out the full charge.

I really need help with my car.

Originally posted by gilroynewball:
... But, it appears to me that the alternator isn't putting out the full charge.

I really need help with my car.

Welcome.

Do all the tests suggested by this (and other linked) threads.

Originally posted by Tony2005:
I suggest that you test the megafuse to make sure it is not blown.

Is there any chance anyone might know the exact location of the megafuse on this vehicle?

If You Remove The Coil Pack You Can See It Just Below...In Mine It Is Housed In A Long Black Piece Of Plastic That Snaps Apart. You Can Check For Continuity Easily Once You Remove The Coil Pack. It Gives You Plenty Of Room. I Went Through Five Alternators In Two Weeks A Few Years Ago!! It Was Always Due To The Weak Brushes Breaking Off. These Of Cours Were All From "O'Reallys". You Should Definitely Buy An OEM Ford Alternator In The Case Of Replacement. I Believe Ray Has A How-To On Removal And Install Of The Alternator...I Got My Time On This Down To About 30 Minutes...READ THE HOW-TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another How-To

Originally posted by klfdl:

Originally posted by Tony2005:
I suggest that you test the megafuse to make sure it is not blown.

Is there any chance anyone might know the exact location of the megafuse on this vehicle?

Originally posted by Ray:
Alternator

the "batt light" has nothing to do with the battery. it is actually a "charging system indicator light".

Replace the alternator, or POSSIBLY the megafuse (only thing that negates the megafuse is the off-and-on light. a megafuse would cause a steady light at all times, which you had at the END but not at the beginning.

1. Check the fuse, first (under the coilpack.. you'll see two metal posts sticking up.. measure resistance across them.. should be near 0)

2. Measure running voltage(alternator): check voltage across battery terminals while running.. should be 13.8-14.7 +- .3

3. Measure off-voltage(battery): turn off car, remove surface charge (interior and headlights on for 60 seconds)..
should be >=12.0
How-to for alternator replacement is under Duratec Maintenance FAQ

Ray

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=838883&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1

you see the red lead? heres your sign.

thanks a million. now just gotta wait for good weather during daylight hours after work.....