98 Ford Contour with Battery light/steering problem?

Question

I have a 98 Ford Contour that sat for about a year. When I began to drive it again it started getting the "overheating smell." The check engine light came on and has remained on. Then about a week after I started driving it when I start the car, the battery light comes on and off but doesnt stay on. When the battery light comes on the car is next to impossible to steer. It really only does it when the car is going under 5mph. Anyone had this problem before? If so what did you do?

Answer 1

sounds like you lost a belt, check you serpentine belt, it controls the alternator and water pump and the p/s pump and if its slipping or broke off the car will run but the batt wont be charging and the steering will be very hard to steer. so ya most likely need to change your belt and the tensioner, not to much money maybe like 150 parts and labor. good luck

Answer 2

. if you have checked all the hose's for cuts, leaks,and drips from the end's, and have checked the water pump for any leaking even from underneath you can also check the petcock on the radiator and check the cap. battery check the connection, cell's, the alternator, but if you have a problem with the steering you have a bad pully, no fluid/low fluid in power steering, or a bad power pump.this is only if you haven't checked your belts

Answer 3

oil doesn't last all that long when its been exposed to the inside of an engine. So if you drove it then let it sit a year and drove it again you've got oil thats full of combustion deposits, sludge and water from condensation. The smell is this goop burning off. The other issues you mentioned sound like a loose belt.

Answer 4

check the belt that goes from the power steering to the alternator. and if not then check the altertnator