I just replaced the alternator in my contour. I have the 2.0L 4-Cyl. The battery light on the console went out but when I took it out for a test drive the battery still drained and eventually the car shut off. Could this be a relay, a short, or a corrosion somewhere on the ground wire for the battery? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

I just found all the insulation had come off the wires between the positive post and the fuse box. The wires run below the battery and come into the bottom of the fuse/relay box. It only seems to have affected the aluminum wires. If yours has the same problem it could cause your symptom. Did you ever find out what was wrong with yours?