1996 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

228
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28601(ALL)06/93]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[SV28750(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[SV28801(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[SV28876(ALL)04/94]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[SV28901(ALL)11/94]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
n
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held
down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29001(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is
lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear
the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the
chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29101(ALL)11/94]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
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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
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[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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230
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[SV29372(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid
has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom
dimple on the dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough fluid to bring the
level above the bottom hole.
*
[SV29376(ALL)02/95]
If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid level is above
the bottom dimple on the dipstick, do not add fluid. Recheck
the fluid level after your vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature.
*
[SV29378(ALL)05/95]
Normal operating temperature is reached after driving
approximately 20 miles (30 km). The fluid level should be
within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
*
[SV29380(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, driven in city traffic during hot
weather, or has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
[SV29382(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001226-A
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
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Servicing Your Contour
231
%*
[SV29400(ALL)01/95]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29410(ALL)01/95]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct type will be
used. Correct type is shown on the dipstick.
*
[SV29420(ALL)03/95]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through the filler tube
to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. DO NOT
OVERFILL. If the level is above the top hole on the dipstick,
excess fluid should be removed by a qualified technician.
%*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
[SV29800(ALL)02/95]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
[SV29900(ALL)05/94]
The lubricant level and quality should not deteriorate under
normal driving conditions. However, you should have the fluid
level checked occasionally. If lubricant is required, seeLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
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232
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
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[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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Servicing Your Contour
233
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[SV31000(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
[SV31130(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000671-B
The brake fluid reservoir
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234
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[SV31200(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
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[SV31225(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
[SV31250(ALL)05/94]
With the power steering system at operating temperature,
switch off the engine. The fluid level should be up to the MAX
marking on the transparent reservoir.
[SV31275(ALL)05/94]
If it drops to or below the MIN mark, top off with the specified
fluid.
[SV31350(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001260-A
The power steering fluid reservoir
[SV32000(ALL)05/95]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford's Specification
ESW-M2C33-F or is an equivalent Type F Automatic
Transmission Fluid with a Ford registration number (an 8-digit
number beginning with ª2Pº printed on the fluid container).
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Servicing Your Contour
235
% [SV33101(ALL)01/95]
Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays
[SV33200(ALL)05/94]
Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have been overloaded
and blown a fuse or relay, or tripped a circuit breaker. Before
you replace or repair any electrical parts, check the appropriate
circuit protector.
[SV33400(ALL)05/94]
The following charts tell you which circuit protector protects
each electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit
breaker opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that use the
circuit will not work.
*
[SV33410(ALL)06/95]
Once you have determined which fuses or circuit breakers to
check, follow the procedures underChecking and replacing fuses
orChecking and replacing circuit breakerslater in this chapter.
*
[SV33500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition before working
on or replacing fuses.
[SV33600(ALL)01/95]
The Power Distribution Box Fuses and Relays
[SV33710(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001227-A
The power distribution box location
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