Page 199 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-198.png)
202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[SV05625(ALL)05/95]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV05650(ALL)04/95]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[SV05675(ALL)06/95]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[SV05700(ALL)04/95]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
*
[SV06100(ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06125(ALL)03/95]
Fuel Filler Door Release (If equipped)
[SV06200(ALL)04/94]
On some models, the fuel filler door cannot be opened from
outside the vehicle. To unlatch the fuel filler door, find the front
end of the release handle on the floor to the left of the driver's
seat. Push the handle down firmly until it stops and the door
pops open.
[SV06275(ALL)05/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0000601-F
The fuel filler door release
[SV06300(ALL)01/95]
If the fuel filler door does not open when you push the release
handle, open the trunk and find the override release on the
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Page 200 of 286
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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Page 221 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
R FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
R](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-220.png)
224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
[SV25000(ALL)02/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold (after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than
3 miles [5 km]). You can find the proper cold pressure and load
limits of recommended size tires on the Tire Pressure Decal on
the left front door lock facing.
*
[SV25075(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[SV25100(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV25200(ALL)04/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
*
[SV25300(ALL)04/95]
Do not include the spare tire as part of your rotation.
[SV25350(ALL)02/95]
If you notice that the tires wear unevely, have them checked.
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284
M
Maintenance (see Servicing).............. 195
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse)................. 146
clutch....................... 145
shifting gears.................... 145
Map pockets..................... 111
Master cylinder, brakes................ 232
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 207
Mirrors
side view mirrors (manual)............. 107
Moon roof....................... 99
Motorcraft parts.................... 253
N
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration..... 185
New vehicle break-in.................. 4
O
Odometer
trip odometer..................... 65
Oil filter....................... 253
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 209
Oil viscosity..................... 209
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 250
Overseas offices.................... 187
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system......... 96
Parking brake
operation...................... 152
warning light..................... 57
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 253
PCV valve, specifications................ 253
Power door locks.................... 94
Power features
door locks...................... 94
mirrors....................... 107
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285
Power features (continued)
moon roof...................... 99
seats........................ 104
windows....................... 98
Power steering
dipstick...................... 234
driving with power steering............. 149
fluid, checking and adding.............. 234
fluid, refill capacity................. 252
fluid, specifications................. 254
servicing...................... 149
Prop rod, hood.................... 198
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).......... 115
Rear axle, refill capacity................ 252
Rear window...................... 98
Refill capacities for fluids................ 252
Remote entry system
locking/unlocking doors................ 95
opening the trunk................... 95
panic alarm...................... 96
replacement/additional transmitters........... 97
replacing the batteries................. 96
Reporting safety defects................ 185
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult......................... 7
child......................... 25
head........................ 101
infant........................ 25
Roadside assistance.................. 179
Roadside emergencies................. 163
Rotating the tires................... 224
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