Ford Repair: voltmeter, ground illumination, fuse boxes

Question
Hi;
   I have a question which I hope that you can direct me in the right direction.I have a 98 Contour with the 2.0 motor.I want to install a voltmeter in this car cause I got burned once with that battery idiot light once.I cannot trust that battery light, the problem is that these new cars are hard to wire-up.On the old cars with the old style fuse boxes and fuses (no relays)I would wire up everything from the tach to tranny oil temp gauges. Where do I wire the ignition wire in this Ford.The Contour fuse box is a hinged down box with fuses but no extra ports for accesories like battery,ignition,instrument illumination.The Auto meter gauge has a ground,illumination and power(ignition) leads.

                                  Thanks
                                   Tom S

Answer
Tom,

Unfortunetly, I do not have access to a wiring diagram for your car. However, I would suggest dropping the lower cover under the steering column and find a key on power wire coming out of the ignition switch. There is almost always a factory ground in the left kick panel or under the dash. Just add a ring terminal to your ground wire and add it with the others.  Ford ground bolts are usually painted a light green color.  Also, if you have a haynes cheapo repair manual they usually have wiring diagrams in the back.
With the engine running your voltage should stay around 14 volts.