98 Ford Contour - ABS light on, No heater blower

I have a 98 Ford Contour SE V6, and a couple of days ago my Check Engine light came on (again) ... not really concerned, but it may be linked to my problem, not sure - my problem is .......

I did a hard brake (glare ice, temp -35C ), and my ABS light came on, and my heater (which was on full blast ), cut out. It also has been stalling lately, only in reverse.

So basically, if I dress reaall warm, dont use the brakes, and dont drive in reverse, I will be fine. Any help will be great. Thanks in Advance

I should also add that with the car running in Park, and I step on the brake, I hear a 'click' .... but does not click with the car in gear.

How about this ... I see that I have a BLOWN fuse under the hood ( abs and heater motor fuse ) --- How do I remove this fuse to insert the new one .... looks like there is some bolts there holding it in. Please remember that it's cold here, and I did break a piece of it attempting this.

How about this ... I see that I have a BLOWN fuse under the hood ( abs and heater motor fuse ) --- How do I remove this fuse to insert the new one .... looks like there is some bolts there holding it in. Please remember that it's cold here, and I did break a piece of it attempting this.
Be careful Borack, those heater blower switches tend to melt behind the switches,,, Take a look at that first to see if wiring is burnt up first, then replace fuse,, if of course switch is not melted behind dash there ,,,By the way,, Its under warrenty at Ford," Blower switch for heater",,,, Tends to go out often,, Ive changed mine 3 times,,,Recall notice at Ford is in effect for Most contours for cars with 100,000 miles or less or 10 years,, whatever comes first,,, have them check your engine harness as well, they tend to crack and fall apart,, Big bucks to replace after warrenty,,,Good Luck

Be careful Borack, those heater blower switches tend to melt behind the switches,,, Take a look at that first to see if wiring is burnt up first, then replace fuse,, if of course switch is not melted behind dash there ,,,By the way,, Its under warrenty at Ford," Blower switch for heater",,,, Tends to go out often,, Ive changed mine 3 times,,,Recall notice at Ford is in effect for Most contours for cars with 100,000 miles or less or 10 years,, whatever comes first,,, have them check your engine harness as well, they tend to crack and fall apart,, Big bucks to replace after warrenty,,,Good Luck


Thanks Takeum .......... I was able to change the fuse, by taking out the battery, and accessing the fuse by taking out the distribution box, and doing it from underneath. I am suprised that these two are on the same fuse. Nothing was burnt, it all looked well. My 98 has only 30,000 miles on it, and have had minimal problems. (this being the first in two years) I will look into the warranty at the dealership here.
Thanks again ..............

Borack

Thanks Takeum .......... I was able to change the fuse, by taking out the battery, and accessing the fuse by taking out the distribution box, and doing it from underneath. I am suprised that these two are on the same fuse. Nothing was burnt, it all looked well. My 98 has only 30,000 miles on it, and have had minimal problems. (this being the first in two years) I will look into the warranty at the dealership here.
Thanks again ..............

Borack

I have bad news, Borack: The P.O.S. Contour design not only puts the heater blower and ABS on the same fuse, but the ABS module itself is faulty. I had EXACTLY the same problem, took it to Ford (as someone else eloquently says, "I spit when I say that") and they replaced the fuse. I had barely left the dealership when the same problem occured. No heat, no ABS. Turns out my ABS module was fried — but, oh, the fine folks at the Blue Oval offered to replace it for just $2,000 Cdn. Thanks, but no thanks. I instead went to a corner garage where the mechanic pulled the module connector wires for $60. Now I have heat again (kinda useful in Canada) and my regular brakes work just as well as overrated ABS. It's worked this way for two winters now.
Sorry to be a bearer of bad news. I may eventually replace my ABS module off a junker to get it working again before I sell the bloody car.
Good luck,
kevin

I think that your clicking noise with the car in park is the "press brake to shift from park" relay. If it is this is normal

I know where your coming from. I live in Canada (Cold Winters) and so far I have blown my heater about 5 times this winter. As soon as the ABS kicks in the heat goes out!!! Our Mechanic has gotten pretty used to replacing that fuse....$20.00 a pop each time it has to be done....but that is just one of the many problems we have had with this car.