188
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[HS09000(ALL)06/95]
You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle back into
the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
*
[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.
*
[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
196
*
[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.
*
[SV01600(ALL)03/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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
Servicing Your Contour
197
*
[SV02200(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02575(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
[SV02625(ALL)02/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) gear (manual transaxle).
*
[SV02650(ALL)03/95]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
*
[SV02675(ALL)03/95]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02825(ALL)04/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle).
*
[SV02850(ALL)03/95]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
*
[SV03050(ALL)03/95]
If the battery is disconnected, the computer must relearn its idle
control. SeeBatteryin the Index.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996
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
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996
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.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996
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.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996
Servicing Your Contour
205
*
[SV07800(ALL)06/95]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[SV07850(ALL)06/95]
Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine.
*
[SV07900(ALL)05/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly
when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. However, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician if persistent heavy
knocking occurs because this can damage the engine.
*
[SV09450(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle has problems with starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused
by fuel with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
*
[SV09875(ALL)05/95]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[SV09900(ALL)06/95]
Fuels in certain areas of the country are required to contain
oxygenates to improve air quality. Common oxygenates are
ethanol or grain alcohol (blended at no more than 10%),
methanol or wood alcohol (blended at no more than 5% with
cosolvents and additives), and MTBE or methyl tertiary butyl
ether (blended at no more than 15%).
*
[SV09950(ALL)05/95]
Reformulated fuel is also required in certain areas of the U.S.
These fuels are designed to further reduce the emissions from
your vehicle.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996
206
*
[SV10000(ALL)06/95]
Generally, you should not experience difficulties operating your
vehicle on fuels containing oxygenates. We encourage you to
use these fuels.
*
[SV10185(ALL)06/95]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels
*
[SV10195(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
*
[SV10300(ALL)05/95]
n
Turn vehicle off when refueling
*
[SV10400(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are extremely
flammable.
*
[SV10500(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[SV10600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with methanol can cause
blindness and possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control
center immediately.
*
[SV10700(ALL)05/95]
n
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[SV10800(ALL)05/95]
n
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap and water.
*
[SV10900(ALL)05/95]
n
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if
worn), flush with water for 15 minutes, and seek medical
attention.
*
[SV11000(ALL)05/95]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of
carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded
gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[SV11100(ALL)05/95]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact
with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996