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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
197
*
[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02575(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine o FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
197
*
[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02575(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine o](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-193.png)
Servicing Your Contour
197
*
[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02575(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
[SV02625(ALL)02/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) gear (manual transaxle).
*
[SV02650(ALL)03/95]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
*
[SV02675(ALL)03/95]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02825(ALL)04/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle).
*
[SV02850(ALL)03/95]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
*
[SV03050(ALL)03/95]
If the battery is disconnected, the computer must relearn its idle
control. SeeBatteryin the Index.
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Servicing Your Contour
203 right side. The override release is a handle which is marked
with a fuel pump symbol. Open the fuel filler door by pulling
on the handle.
[SV06340(ALL)04/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001019-C
Fuel filler door release Ð manual override
*
[SV06350(ALL)02/95]
Filling the fuel tank
*
[SV06375(ALL)05/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger side near the
back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[SV06400(ALL)05/95]1.
After opening the fuel filler door, remove the cap carefully
and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If
a hissing sound is heard, wait until it stops, then continue
turning until the cap is free.
*
[SV06500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the
cap.
*
[SV06550(ALL)05/95]2.
Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before
pumping the fuel.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 204
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Repl FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 204
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Repl](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-200.png)
204
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Replace the fuel cap completely when you are finished. Turn
it clockwise until it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[SV06675(ALL)05/95]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
*
[SV06690(ALL)06/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[SV06700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[SV06750(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[SV07500(ALL)05/95]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[SV07600(ALL)05/95]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL in your vehicle. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law. Your warranty may not apply if
your vehicle is damaged because you used the wrong fuel.
*
[SV07625(ALL)05/95]
Using a high-quality fuel makes your vehicle more responsive
and maintain its good fuel economy and emissions. It should
not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
*
[SV07700(ALL)05/95]
Octane recommendations
*
[SV07750(ALL)05/95]
Your engine is designed to use regular fuel with an octane
rating of 87. In most cases it is not necessary to use a fuel with
an octane rating higher than 87. At service stations, the octane
rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 206
*
[SV10000(ALL)06/95]
Generally, you should not experience difficulties operating your
vehicle on fuels containing oxygenates. We encourage you to
use these fuels.
*
[SV10185(ALL)06/95]
Safety Inf FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 206
*
[SV10000(ALL)06/95]
Generally, you should not experience difficulties operating your
vehicle on fuels containing oxygenates. We encourage you to
use these fuels.
*
[SV10185(ALL)06/95]
Safety Inf](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-202.png)
206
*
[SV10000(ALL)06/95]
Generally, you should not experience difficulties operating your
vehicle on fuels containing oxygenates. We encourage you to
use these fuels.
*
[SV10185(ALL)06/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels
*
[SV10195(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
*
[SV10300(ALL)05/95]
n
Turn vehicle off when refueling
*
[SV10400(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are extremely
flammable.
*
[SV10500(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[SV10600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with methanol can cause
blindness and possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control
center immediately.
*
[SV10700(ALL)05/95]
n
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[SV10800(ALL)05/95]
n
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap and water.
*
[SV10900(ALL)05/95]
n
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if
worn), flush with water for 15 minutes, and seek medical
attention.
*
[SV11000(ALL)05/95]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of
carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded
gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[SV11100(ALL)05/95]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact
with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-203.png)
Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11325(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
*
[SV11550(ALL)05/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
*
[SV11580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
%*
[SV11600(ALL)05/95]
Fuel Economy
*
[SV11700(ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
*
[SV11725(ALL)05/95]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much
fuel your vehicle will normally use.
*
[SV11750(ALL)05/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[SV11850(ALL)06/95]1.
Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
*
[SV11950(ALL)05/95]2.
Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
*
[SV12150(ALL)05/95]3.
After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the fuel tank and
record the final odometer reading.
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Page 210 of 286
Servicing Your Contour
213
*
[SV17275(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17290(ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17320(ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
[SV17720(ALL)05/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000336-D
The engine coolant recovery reservoir (2.5L shown Ð 2.0L similar)
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicles coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicles coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-210.png)
214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine
coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate
the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under
Engine Type, in this chapter.
*
[SV17850(ALL)01/95]
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at
least once a month using the following guidelines.
[SV17900(ALL)01/95]
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the
engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the
MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be
at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in
either condition, coolant may need to be added.
*
[SV18000(ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from
internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the
water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
*
[SV18100(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
[SV18500(ALL)01/95]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you
remove the coolant recovery cap.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
215
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)03/95]3.
Step ba FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
215
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)03/95]3.
Step ba](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-211.png)
Servicing Your Contour
215
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)03/95]3.
Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV18800(ALL)05/95]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to turn and remove cap.
*
[SV18900(ALL)02/95]5.
Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot steam may blow
out or hot engine coolant may even splash out.
*
[SV19000(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious
personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam
blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or
engine.
*
[SV19025(ALL)03/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's
coolant system can hold, seeRefill capacities for fluidsin the
Index.
*
[SV19100(ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add a quart (liter) of engine coolant more than
once a month.
*
[SV19102(ALL)06/95]
Add engine coolant only to the recovery reservoir.If the
coolant level is low, add to the reservoir a 50/50 mixture of
water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You
may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should
replace it with a 50/50 mixture as soon as possible. Check the
engine coolant again the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[SV19104(ALL)02/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula
that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford
engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your
engine cooling system. Follow the recommended service interval
for changing your engine coolant.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996