Flashing red circle light in the centre of the dash cluster. No mention of this light in the ford manual. What is it?

Is there a red security light on the top dash panel flashing when you try to start it ? Or the word SECURITY lit up on the instrument cluster ?

Alternator failed, Chek voltage at battery should be 14. 7 volts.

Do you have base instrument cluster) or high series instrument cluster) ?
Symptom Chart Condition Possible Sources Action

• The message center is not operating correctly (base instrument cluster)

• Instrument cluster

• OBSERVE the operation of the message center when pressing the TRIP/SELECT button. Does the message center display change when the TRIP/SELECT button is pressed?
  • If the message center display changes, the system is operating normally at this time.
  • If the message center display does not change, INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to Section 413-01 . TEST the system for normal operation.

• The message center is not operating correctly (high series instrument cluster)

• Message center switch
• Instrument cluster

• Go To Pinpoint Test A .

there should be a knob somewhere on or aroung the light switch , it will be on the fron of the cluster for sure

Down load a free owners manual

Did you ever get to the bottom of this? I am having exactly the same issue with my 2006 Focus 1.6 tdci

Possible but not likely in the 96 model. The owners manual would tell you. The ABS warning light is on the dash board cluster and is normally an ABS inside a circle. ABS didn't become real popular until the 2000 year model when FORD and Mercury made that essentially a standard for all models.

FIND THE TWO WIRES ON SWITCH BRIDGE THEM OUT WITH WIRE/SEE IF DASH IS LIGHTS ARE OK

Try search here.. http://ford.com/en/vehicles/owners/default.htm
Your best be is a salvage yard, Ebay, dealer, or other online sources that sell them. Google, with the term, "Automobile Owners Manual".

Replace your air bag light. It's prob. burned out.