1996 FORD CONTOUR maintenance

Servicing Your Contour
221
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[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
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[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
*
[SV23400(ALL)03/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
*
[SV23500(ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the
ignition to the ACC position and turn your wipers on. Wait for
them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to the
OFF position. Do not move the wipers manually. Manually
moving the wipers across the windshield may damage them.
*
[SV23600(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV23700(OZ)03/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly after you clean
them, you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly or the
blade element. When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent. To
replace the blades, follow the instructions that come with them.
[SV23716(ALL)11/94]
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement
*
[SV23719(ALL)04/95]
In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans
the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter
should be replaced at the intervals in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
[SV23723(ALL)04/95]
To replace the passenger compartment air filter:
[SV23726(ALL)02/95]1.
Remove both windshield wiper arms. With the wiper arm in
the horizontal position, lift the arm away from the
windshield while pulling the retaining clip at the base
toward the windshield. Release the wiper arm, then lift it off
the base.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

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
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[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.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

248
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[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
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[SV41100(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[SV41200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
*
[SV41300(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[SV41400(ALL)01/95]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV41500(ALL)01/95]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV41600(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
*
[SV41700(ALL)03/95]
n
Have the services listed in theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
*
[SV41720(ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement
parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or
for the service of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner's
responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

250
%*
[SV42425(ALL)06/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing
*
[SV42450(ALL)06/95]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies a ªneed for additional mixed city and highway driving
to complete the checkº of the OBD II system. As soon as all of
the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD
II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving
required to reach the ready condition varies with individual
driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below.
If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the
additional driving required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work.
*
[SV42475(ALL)06/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV42501(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order shown. If any
steps are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe
driving mode is acceptable between steps.
*
[SV42550(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
*
[SV42560(ALL)05/95]
The engine must be warmed up and at operating temperature
before proceeding with the drive modes of the following OBD II
Drive Cycle.
*
[SV42575(ALL)05/95]1.
Start the engine. Drive or idle (in neutral) the vehicle for
4 minutes.
[SV42601(ALL)05/95]2.
Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual transaxle) for
40 seconds.
*
[SV42610(ALL)06/95]3.
Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (70 km/h) at 1/4 to 1/2
throttle for 10 seconds.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
255
*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
n
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV44400(ALL)01/95]
n
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV44500(ALL)01/95]
n
If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
*
[SV44600(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV44700(ALL)01/95]
n
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or
mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing and
underside of front fenders.
*
[SV44800(ALL)01/95]
n
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
*
[SV44900(ALL)01/95]
n
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
*
[SV45000(ALL)01/95]
n
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when
the vehicle is washed.
*
[SV45100(ALL)04/95]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[SV45200(ALL)01/95]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV45300(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

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
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

286
S
Safe driving tips.................... 153
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)............. 7
Safety chains, when towing a trailer........... 159
Safety Compliance Certification Label.......... 155
Safety defects, reporting................ 185
Safety information relating to automotive fuels...... 206
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts............. 12,14
cleaning the safety belts................ 16
dual locking mode retractors.............. 11
extension assembly.................. 14
for adults...................... 7
for children...................... 25
for infants...................... 25
head........................ 101
lap and shoulder belts................. 9
lap belt....................... 13
maintenance..................... 15
proper use...................... 7
replacement..................... 15
warning light and chime................ 56
Safety seats for children
and air bags................... 18,26
attaching with tether straps.............. 37
in front seat..................... 26
in rear outboard................... 29
in rear seat...................... 37
tether anchorage hardware............... 37
Seat belts (see Safety restraints).............. 7
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual.............. 102
adjusting the seats, power.............. 104
child safety seats................... 26
head restraints................... 101
Serial number (VIN)................181, 186
Service concerns.................... 180
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

291
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts.................. 174
cleaning...................... 229
covers....................... 171
inspection and maintenance............. 223
lug nuts...................... 170
Windows........................ 98
power windows, operating............... 98
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid.............. 219
checking and replacing wiper blades......... 221
operation....................... 84
reservoir...................... 219
specifications.................... 220
variable interval wipers................ 84
Wrecker towing.................... 175
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996