1996 FORD CONTOUR ESP

160
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[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
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[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic
brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that your
trailer's brakes meet local and federal regulations.
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[DR29600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
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[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system wiring directly to
your vehicle's lighting system wiring.To get the proper
equipment for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
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[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause
damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
%*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
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[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30050(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle and you are towing a
trailer, you should select gear positions which will avoid jerking
or excessive engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in 1
(First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the trailer is too big or
heavily loaded for your vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving
in these two gears while towing a trailer is not recommended.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

188
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[HS08800(ALL)06/95]
Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you where to get
unleaded fuel. If you cannot get unleaded fuel or can get only
fuel with an anti-knock index that is lower than your vehicle
needs, contact a district or owner relations office before you
leave the U.S. or Canada.
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[HS08900(ALL)06/95]
Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper conversion
may damage the effectiveness of your emissions control system
and may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford
Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is
caused by use of improper fuel.
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[HS09000(ALL)06/95]
You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle back into
the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
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[HS09100(ALL)06/95]
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or
living in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the
Middle East, contact the nearest Ford dealership. If the
dealership cannot help you, write to:
[HS09200(ALL)01/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001307-C*
[HS09300(ALL)06/95]
If you are in other foreign countries, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, they can direct
you to the appropriate Ford affiliate office.
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[HS09400(ALL)06/95]
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate
outside of the U.S. or Canada, register your Vehicle
Identification Number and new address with Ford Motor
Company Export Operations.
File:cdhso.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:28:07 1996

Accessories
191
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[AC00600(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment, passengers, and
luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total
weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear
axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer
for specific weight information.
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[AC00700(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or
the Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) regulates the use of mobile communications
systems Ð such as two-way radios, telephones, and
theft alarms Ð that are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment installed in your
vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC regulations
and should be installed only by a qualified technician.
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[AC00800(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Mobile communications systems may harm the
operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are not
properly designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when operated, such
systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In
addition, such systems may themselves be damaged or
their operation affected by operating your vehicle.
(Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power output is 5 watts
or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
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[AC00900(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Because we have no control over the installation,
design, or manufacture of such systems, Ford cannot
assume responsibility for any adverse effects or
damage that may result if you use this equipment.
File:cdaco.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:30:23 1996

196
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[SV01275(ALL)03/95]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your assurance that
Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
%*
[SV01280(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.
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[SV01600(ALL)03/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
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[SV01700(ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
%*
[SV01800(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fan may
come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it
cool.
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[SV01850(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.
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[SV01900(ALL)03/95]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
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[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
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[SV02100(ALL)01/95]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported by a jack
only. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

204
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[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.
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[SV06675(ALL)05/95]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
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[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.
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[SV07700(ALL)05/95]
Octane recommendations
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[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.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

212
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[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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[SV15200(O )05/95]
Nearly all engines will consume engine oil. As a result, it may
be necessary to add some oil between oil changes.
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[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[SV16400(ALL)03/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
[SV16500(ALL)05/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
[SV16600(ALL)04/95]
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for
additional information.
%*
[SV16700(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.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

216
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[SV19106(ALL)04/94]
NOTE: When you change or add engine coolant, it is
important to maintain your engine coolant
concentration between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local climate
conditions. Below 40% you will lose freeze protection
and above 60% your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
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[SV19108(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the engine cooling system. Use only a
premium, nationally recognized brand name engine
coolant. Do not use alcohol, methanol antifreeze or
engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the
aluminum engine on your vehicle will corrode.
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[SV19110(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the Ford Rotunda
engine coolant recycling process and chemicals. Use only Ford
Rotunda recycled engine coolant or an equivalent recycled
engine coolant that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[SV19112(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.
[SV19115(ALL)02/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an equivalent
engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
227 performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
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[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
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[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning) traction.
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[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
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[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996