1996 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

Electronic Sound Systems
137
*
[AS37000(ALL)01/95]
Important Warranty and Service Information
*
[AS37050(ALL)07/90]
n
Warranty
*
[AS37100(ALL)03/95]
Your sound system is warranted for three years or 36,000 miles
(60,000 kilometers), whichever comes first. Consult your vehicle
warranty booklet for further information. Ask your dealer for a
copy of this limited warranty.
*
[AS37150(ALL)07/90]
n
Service
*
[AS37200(ALL)01/95]
At Ford Electronics, we stand behind our audio systems with a
comprehensive service and repair program. If anything should
go wrong with your Ford audio system, return to your dealer
for service. There is a nationwide network of qualified Ford
authorized repair centers to assist you.
File:cdaso.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:21:48 1996

139
Driving Your Contour
*
[DR00200(ALL)09/93]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on
which type oftransaxleyour vehicle has. You may be familiar
with the term ªtransmission.º We usetransaxlebecause it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have front-wheel drive.
*
[DR00300(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle will have one of the following types of transaxles:
[DR00410(ALL)02/94]
n
an automatic overdrive transaxle with transaxle control
switch, or
*
[DR00600(ALL)11/94]
n
a manual transaxle.
*
[DR00700(ALL)11/94]
If you are not sure which transaxle your vehicle has, talk to
your dealer.
*
[DR00750(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control
Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out
mode to promote durability.
*
[DR00800(ALL)01/95]
Driving with an Automatic Overdrive
Transaxle
[DR00850(ALL)05/95]
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic
operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the transaxle control
switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

140
*
[DR00900(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[DR00915(ALL)05/95]
You must push in the thumb button to move the gearshift to
the position you choose.
*
[DR00917(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*
[DR00918(ALL)03/95]
To operate:
*
[DR00919(ALL)01/95]1.
Start the engine.
*
[DR00920(ALL)01/95]2.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[DR00921(ALL)01/95]3.
Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[DR00923(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift Interlock safety
feature. This feature prevents the gearshift from being moved
from the P (Park) position until the brake pedal is depressed.
This feature is active when the ignition is in the ON position. If
the gearshift lever CANNOT be moved from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
*
[DR00924(ALL)01/95]1.
Turn the engine off and remove the ignition key.
[DR00925(ALL)05/94]2.
With the parking brake applied and the brake pedal
depressed, insert a screwdriver about 2" (5 cm) into the
square opening to the right of the gearshift at the base of the
console.
[DR00926(ALL)05/94]3.
Rotate the screwdriver point rearward.
[DR00927(ALL)02/94]4.
Push and hold the thumb button and move the gearshift.
[DR00928(ALL)02/94]5.
Remove the screwdriver when the gearshift moves from the
P (Park) position.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
141
[DR00929(ALL)01/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001264-C
Overriding the brake shift interlock
*
[DR00931(ALL)04/95]
The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key
to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position
except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to LOCK or
removed from the steering column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, the
gearshift levermustbe in P (Park).
*
[DR00935(ALL)11/94]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the
brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

142
[DR01100(ALL)05/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
%*
[DR01600(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR01700(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will
move backward. You should always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[DR01725(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR01750(ALL)11/94]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
*
[DR01800(ALL)01/95]
Driving
[DR01825(ALL)02/94]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The
Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift
handle. The transaxle control indicator light (OD OFF) is located
on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any
of the several positions.
[DR01850(ALL)05/94]
The OD OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation. This allows the transaxle to upshift and downshift
from first through fourth gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
143 transaxle control indicator light will illuminate (OD OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this OD OFF is illuminated the
transaxle will upshift and downshift from first through third
gears and provide coast braking in second and third gears.
[DR01875(ALL)02/94]
To return the transaxle to normal operation (first through fourth
gears) depress the TCS again. This switch may be used to cancel
overdrive any time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will automatically be in
the normal overdrive mode and the light will not be
illuminated.
[DR01900(ALL)05/94]
When to use D (Overdrive Ð without Transaxle Control
Switch activated)
[DR01925(ALL)05/94]
D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic
overdrive transaxle. It automatically upshifts or downshifts as
the vehicle speeds or slows.
[DR01950(ALL)05/94]
However, D (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth gear Ð an
overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle cruises at a consistent
speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your
fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[DR02000(ALL)05/94]
When to use D (Drive Ð with Transaxle Control Switch
activated)
[DR02025(ALL)05/94]
D (Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain terrain. If the
transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears
while you are driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills, depress the TCS. D (Drive)
also gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle on
downgrades than D (Overdrive).
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

144
*
[DR02100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
[DR02200(ALL)05/94]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[DR02300(ALL)05/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[DR02500(ALL)04/95]
When to use 1 (First)
[DR02700(ALL)05/94]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[DR02800(ALL)05/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to
D (Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[DR02900(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
*
[DR03000(ALL)11/94]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
*
[DR03100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR03200(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
[DR03400(ALL)01/89]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
145
*
[DR06900(ALL)01/89]
Driving with a Manual Transaxle
*
[DR07000(ALL)03/95]
Using the Clutch
*
[DR07100(ALL)11/94]
In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the
vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set.
[DR07200(ALL)11/94]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds. Then,
hold your right foot on the brake pedal and release the parking
brake. With the clutch pedal depressed to the floor with your
left foot, move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
[DR07300(ALL)11/94]
To move the vehicle, take your right foot off the brake pedal
and then slowly release the clutch pedal. (You may need to
press down slowly on the accelerator at the same time that you
release the clutch pedal.)
*
[DR07400(ALL)03/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
[DR07500(ALL)05/95]
Idling the Vehicle
[DR07550(ALL)05/95]
When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running, DO
NOT rest your hand on or apply any pressure to gearshift lever
when the clutch pedal is not depressed. This may result in
erratic engine operation.
*
[DR07600(ALL)03/95]
Shifting the Gears
*
[DR07700(ALL)11/94]
The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted on the floor.
The gearshift can be in one of seven possible positions, as
shown.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996