1998 Ford contour Parking Brake Very loose how to Adjust

Hello everyone I am having issues with my Ford Contour.. The Parking Breal does not work.. I was told that the Pawl will be the culprit and yes my Parking break handle was loose.. I went to the Junk Yard and got another handle.. NOw the problem is that the handle is extremely loose.. It goes all the way up with no resistence at all.. I can hear something slapping under my car but when I go under my car to look I cannot see no loose cable.. Please help I do not know what to do

thanks

John