1996 Ford Contour Defrost Battery Light

FORD CONTOUR
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SAPARKS2001
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 1996 Ford Contour. It has 87,000 miles on the car. I was driving yesterday and I notice when I put on my defrost on to clear up my windows my battery light started flashing and the temperature meter move quickly from normal to hot. I turned the defrost off and the battery light stopped flashing and the meter moved back to normal. What could cause this problem to occur?
May 4, 2007 at 12:11 AM
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BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
i would suspect the alternator is going bad. when you cut on the defrost thats putting a load on the charging system. if the voltage is down the light will come on. go to advance auto and they'll check the charging system for free. this will determine if you need to replace the alternator. good luck
May 4, 2007 at 9:58 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the charging system tested, such as a free check at an auto parts store. A failing alternator is suspected because the defroster loads the charging system and low voltage can trigger the battery light; replace the alternator if the test confirms it is bad.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Ford Contour with 87,000 miles showed a flashing battery light and a temperature gauge that jumped from normal to hot when the defroster was turned on. Both returned to normal when the defroster was switched off. The expert suspected a failing alternator under electrical load and recommended a free charging-system test to confirm whether the alternator needs replacement.

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