1996 FORD CONTOUR light

48
[ST09498(ALL)01/95]4.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST09500(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST10200(ALL)05/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[ST10250(ALL)05/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(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.
*
[ST10500(ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures,
use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

Starting Your Contour
51
*
[ST11800(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
*
[ST11900(ALL)04/95]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST12050(ALL)03/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
*
[ST12100(ALL)03/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel.If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again.If you do not
see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST12175(ALL)03/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more
than a short period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding Against Exhaust
Fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

53
Warning Lights and Gauges
*
[LG00500(O )05/92]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped
together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a
cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:
*
[LG00600(O )05/91]
n
Standard Cluster
*
[LG00700(O )12/89]
n
Sport Cluster
*
[LG01100(O )05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
55
[LG01600(ALL)05/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0000012-G
The sport cluster
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

56
*
[LG01700(O )12/89]
Standard Cluster
*
[LG01800(O )12/89]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the standard
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. The following sections
detail what each of these indicators means.
*
[LG02400(ALL)01/95]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
%*
[LG02500(ALL)05/95]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
*
[LG02612(ALL)01/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety
belt. The following conditions will take place:
*
[LG02614(ALL)03/95]
n
If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when the ignition is
turned to the ON position, the light will turn on for 1 to 2
minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
*
[LG02616(ALL)03/95]
n
If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the light is on or
the chime is sounding, both the light and the chime will turn
off.
*
[LG02618(ALL)03/95]
n
If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition is
turned to the ON position, neither the light nor the chime
will turn on.
[LG02800(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000291-CFile:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
57
*
[LG02900(ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
[LG03400(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000971-D*
[LG03500(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not
set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the
START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine
starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake, have the
hydraulic brake system serviced by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
*
[LG03700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

58
*
[LG03800(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG03900(ALL)03/95]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[LG04100(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000293-C*
[LG04300(ALL)05/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON
or START position (engine off). The light should go off when
the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG04400(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
%*
[LG04800(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
*
[LG04900(ALL)01/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your
key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off
when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
[LG05010(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000294-BFile:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
59
*
[LG05105(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG05200(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG05300(ALL)11/94]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
*
[LG05400(ALL)11/94]3.
Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on
checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See
Engine oilin the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured. To ensure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.
[LG05500(ALL)11/94]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary to
bring it to the full level before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for
further service actions.
*
[LG06200(ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG06300(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high
beam or when you flash the lights.
[LG06350(ALL)05/94]
If the high beam light flashes in a vehicle equipped with the
Daytime Running Light (DRL) system (Canada), it indicates a
failure in the DRL circuit. Check the bulbs and fuses or have
the DRL system checked by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
[LG06400(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000295-BFile:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996