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 Servicing Your Contour
229
*
[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
229
*
[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-225.png)
Servicing Your Contour
229
*
[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29225(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29250(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[SV29300(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is
not working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle may slip or
shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð
the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29350(ALL)01/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied,
start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of
the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out. Wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 232
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 232
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-228.png)
232
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake lining wears.
[SV30401(ALL)02/94]
You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled engine oil
change, but be sure to check it at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the
master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin this chapter to locate
the brake fluid reservoir.) The fluid level should be at or near
the MAX mark.
*
[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV30475(ALL)06/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
*
[SV30500(ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the cap from the
reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV30800(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
*
[SV30900(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
249
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhau FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
249
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhau](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-245.png)
Servicing Your Contour
249
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[SV41900(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
*
[SV42000(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV42100(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV42300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV42400(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
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277
Coolant (see Engine coolant) (continued)
specifications.................... 254
temperature gauge.................. 64
Cooling fan...................... 196
Crankcase emission filter................ 253
Cruise control (see Speed control)............. 88
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada....... 186
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)............. 69
Daytime running light system.............. 79
Defects, reporting................... 185
Defrost, rear window and side view mirrors........ 76
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid............... 229
engine oil..................... 210
power steering fluid................. 234
Disabled vehicle (see Towing).............. 175
Dispute Settlement Board................ 182
Doors......................... 93
lubricant specifications................ 254
Driving under special conditions
bad weather.................... 153
heavy load..................... 155
high water..................... 155
slippery roads................... 153
tips for safe driving................. 153
towing a trailer................... 157
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 243
fuses......................235, 242
relays....................... 235
Electronic sound system
radio reception................... 136
tuning the radio.................117, 131
warranty and service information........... 137
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279
Engine coolant temperature gauge............. 64
Engine fan...................... 196
Engine oil
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 4
changing oil and oil filter.............. 212
checking and adding................ 210
dipstick...................... 210
disposal...................... 212
engine oil pressure warning light............ 58
filter, specifications................. 253
refill capacities................... 252
specifications.................... 254
synthetic oil.................... 210
viscosity...................... 209
Entry system, illuminated................ 94
Exhaust fumes...................... 51
Extended Service Plan, Ford............... 4
F
Flashers, hazard..................... 86
Flashing the lamps.................... 84
Flat tire........................ 168
Fluid refill capacities.................. 252
Foglamps........................ 78
Ford Dispute Settlement Board............. 182
Ford Extended Service Plan................ 4
Ford of Canada Customer Assistance Centre....... 186
Foreign registration.................. 187
French owner guides, how to obtain............ 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy............... 207
capacity...................... 252
choosing the right fuel................ 204
comparisons with EPA fuel economy estimates..... 208
filling your vehicle with fuel............. 202
filter, specifications................. 253
fuel gauge...................... 64
running out of fuel................. 207
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283
Lamps (continued)
high-mount brakelamp................ 246
illuminated entry system................ 94
instrument panel, dimming............... 80
interior lamps..................... 80
replacing bulbs................... 245
trailer....................... 160
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal).......... 83
Lap belts........................ 13
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 60
anti-lock brakes (ABS)................. 66
brake........................ 57
charging system.................... 58
check engine..................... 61
engine oil pressure.................. 58
high beam...................... 59
low coolant...................... 67
oil pressure...................... 58
safety belt...................... 56
turn signal indicator................ 63,83
Load limits
GAWR....................... 155
GVWR....................... 155
trailer towing.................... 157
Lubricant specifications................. 254
Luggage compartment................. 111
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 174
standard...................... 171
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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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