It’s a long title, “1998 Ford Contour Blower Motor Replacement Rear Window Replacement AC Diagnosis -Fixing it Forward”, but it pretty much describes what happens in this video.
I was able to replace the blower motor with relative ease in this video. In fact, it’s the easiest blower motor I’ve ever done.
Once I had the blower motor fixed, I turned my attention to the AC operation. This video also demonstrates how to diagnose AC problems using dye and a leak detector.
While the AC system was evacuating I decided to replace the right rear window glass. I knew this would be a challenge as rear window glass often is. Front glass is often no problem, but rear windows often seem to be more involved. That said, I was still able to get the job done.
We’re getting ever closer to returning this car to Jeff. By the time he gets it back, he should have a good running and braking car with working AC!
Previous Video in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tzU36qmum8
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
If you’re not familiar with the Fixing it Forward series, here’s the introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfBnTwpEBu0
**This is also the first video to feature viewer contributed parts! The brake pads used in this video were purchased from funds donated by viewers. Thanks to everyone that donated!!
You can donate to Fixing it Forward here: http://www.gofundme.com/3a3s27dg
Special thanks to
CarPartKings: http://www.carpartkings.com
Pull-a-Part: http://www.pullapart.com
Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/61331-contour-blower-rear-window-ac-diagnosis-fif#154028
Tools
Vampliers: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/vampliers-6-25-screw-extraction-pliers-w-vertical-horizontal-serrations-vt-001#oid=1002_1
HL27 LED Headlight: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/coast-19721-hl27-focusing-led-head-lamp-gift-box#oid=1002_1
AC Leak Detector: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/tif-instruments-xl-1a-ac-refrigerant-leak-detector#oid=1002_1
Silicone Paste: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/3m-08946-silicone-paste-8-oz#oid=1002_1
Related videos
AC System Basics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w17DpGCcRj8
AC Diagnosis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95RdGLFIbL8
AC Performance Testing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU_A4wNuHXI
How To Recharge an AC System: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lglPJuBXVeE
Defrosting Windows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVMWW95E7qk
Acura CL Blower Motor Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wktYMmHaU-w
Useful articles.
Engine overheat: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats
No start problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Idle issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Diagnosing Noises: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Diagnosing Vibrations: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations
Electrical Problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
Brake Issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems
Transmission issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems
HVAC problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems
Buying a Used Car: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-car-purchase
Leaks: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
MPG: http://ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-the-causes-of-poor-mpg
Social Network Links
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTheCarGuy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100195180196698058780/posts
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ericthecarguy
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
To me… looking REAL close I think the scratches were there at least to me
Hey Eric fix your GoFundMe page, everytime I try donating it says you need to check your messages or something.. I'll keep trying.. I love the show! What a great idea! Keep it up!
Great Wall timing belt snap possible problems?? thanks.
This is awesome, I’m thankful for your videos. You seem like a good guy.
Man …. that car needs detailed inside and out.
3 years later….those scratches will buff out of the glass.
"use your gut, it takes years to get one of these. i suggest ice cream and beer" LOL!!!!
My 2000 seems nicer than that one but has a growing list of problems. Has the same gas smell, it did have a transmission problem, it doesn't start randomly, alternator needs replacing, ac is not acceptable , passenger side front window is slow going up and down(yes power windows), it did accelerate on its own all the time, brake calipers in front stick, back door hinges are rusted, rear light bar doesn't work, jerks when shifting into gear, cruise control cable is severed, runs rich, poor gas mileage, the trunk leaks, leaks power steering fluid and antifreeze, belts squick, handbrake doesn't stay most of the time. Idles really high when started, speedometer moves sometimes when at a standstill, leaks into the front passenger side floorboard, the antitheft system is bugged, and there's afew things not worth mentioning but there is so many things I need fixing that I just gave up. Has 163k miles tho
Car runs great thanks to your knowledge. Thank you.
Ford + rust = good friends!!
I need to replace blower motor cuz went out today but your video helped out and you fixing all the stuff makes it look fun 😀
12:53 you crack me up Eric
Those scratches can be repaired a few ways. One way I know is to gradually buff then out . No big deal.
what if the window shattered after all of that at 26:55
Hey thanks man you just save me two hours of trying to figure out what the hell all I had to do is Twist thanks for doing what you do and keep up the good work man I appreciate it.
Thank you for this video. Helped me a lot with fixing my Mercury Mystique's window.
More video like this, very useful and thanks for uploading for us ..
Eric because of you i love cars ,please keep going my brother 🌺🌹🌷
Im sure someone has said but you should use oxygen free nitrogen to test for leaks its cheaper than R134
If I plug the new blower motor in and it does not make noise what do you think my problem is?
It's interesting how difficult the alternator was to remove compared to a blower. Ford engineering at it's best!
Eric your not only a knowledgeable mechanic, but have a witty sense of humor, i truly enjoy every one of your videos, thanks for keeping us DIY informed.
That window replacement was Smashing!
you installed the springs wrong…
.just did mine….caliper rubbed on wheel. the spring goes around front of caliper tabs…otherwise it holds nothing! and its a pain! three hands helpful!
I changed my rear door glass on my 2001 impala. I feel your pain
Eric, I know this is an older video by now, but I have been re watching the fixing it forward series because I love them so much, and I noticed something I just had to share. If you watch back where you first show us the new piece of glass 13:17, you will see the the glass is already scratched before you tried to put it in. You can also see it at 13:32. The dirt writing on the window just made it hard to see. Thought you might sleep better knowing you didn't do it.
I think your videos are awesome, you work just like me! Quit as a Ford tech after 25 years, Senior Master for 18. Maybe I can find a private shop that will appreciate me?
Hey Eric I was just watching the window segment on the Ford contours the next time you have a door with manual window try a pair of vice grip on the metal window crank
just awesome,u've got teacher's quality,not fake,just like it,keep on feeding us please sir eric
Eric man, good job on the video! Thanks for all the detail. You made my 1998 Ford Contour right rear window a snap! Took a couple hours, but would have taken me the whole day of trial & errors.
and also the 2 small side by side holes in the door on the inside are acess holes for the bolts for the window
If the window was broken in the up posirion, as told, why did all the glass end up inside?????
Eric your a great guy for doing all of this! I am sure you are making people very happy.
Your the man Eric
Eric do you do your fixing it forward repairs for free or do you pay yourself using the GoFundMe money if so will you post how much you paid yourself per job and the amounts you spent on parts for each project so everyone is sure that their money is being used correctly. Also let the viewers pick thru a pool of candidates rather than you choosing who gets to have their cars fixed. I think it makes for transparency and peace of mind
Hey Eric, I was just curious, what really stands out in your mind as the most awkward job you have ever done as a technician??
Dude, this video just saved me a whole ton of work on my daughter's car. I couldn't figure out how to get the blower motor out and thought I was going to have to take the entire dash apart. Who would've thunk it?!? Just a twist. Amazing. One little side note, there was a tab I had to push in to twist the original motor out, in case someone might need to know. Thank you for the video!!!
I agree. Ice cream and beer is the best way to go.
eric what impact are you using?
Hay Eric. You mentioned if a blower does not operates at all speeds the resistor is bad. Can you tell me where I would find this resistor in my 1996 Astro van?
EricTheCarGuy where did you get that flashlight you use to look under the dash to install the blower motor? It looks sweet.
If it bleeds we can kill it.