1996 FORD CONTOUR fuel

Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
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[SV11325(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
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[SV11550(ALL)05/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
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[SV11580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
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[SV11600(ALL)05/95]
Fuel Economy
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[SV11700(ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
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[SV11725(ALL)05/95]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much
fuel your vehicle will normally use.
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[SV11750(ALL)05/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
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[SV11850(ALL)06/95]1.
Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
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[SV11950(ALL)05/95]2.
Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
*
[SV12150(ALL)05/95]3.
After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the fuel tank and
record the final odometer reading.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

208
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[SV12200(ALL)05/95]4.
Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
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[SV12250(ALL)05/95]
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English: MPGU(total miles driven)V(gallons used)
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[SV12275(ALL)05/95]
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Metric: L/100kU(liters used)V(100 kilometers)
%*
[SV12300(ALL)05/95]
Comparisons With EPA Fuel Economy Estimates
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[SV12400(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
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[SV12610(ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
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[SV12615(ALL)05/95]
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Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[SV12625(ALL)05/95]
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Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
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[SV12630(ALL)05/95]
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Driving with your foot on the brake
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[SV12635(ALL)05/95]
n
Sudden stops
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[SV12640(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended engine idling
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[SV12645(ALL)05/95]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
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[SV12650(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
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[SV12655(ALL)05/95]
n
Underinflated tires
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[SV12660(ALL)05/95]
n
Heavy loads
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[SV12665(ALL)05/95]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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Servicing Your Contour
209
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[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
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[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
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[SV13530(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
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[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
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Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
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Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
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[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
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Check windshield washer fluid
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[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
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Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
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Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
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[SV13610(ALL)05/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
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[SV13650(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
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210
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[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
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[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
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[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
[SV13710(ALL)04/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13770(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
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[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[SV14000(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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[SV14050(ALL)05/94]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) (manual transaxle).
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[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
219
[SV20660(ALL)06/95]
Disconnecting the Battery
[SV20675(ALL)02/95]
Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all
the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for
one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to
idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive).
Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if
equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning
process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle.
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[SV20700(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
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[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers
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[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
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[SV22100(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment. Visual inspection
can determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate
the washer when the reservoir is empty.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[SV23600(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
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[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
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[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.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
223
[SV23756(ALL)07/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001244-B
Removing the passenger compartment air filter
[SV23761(ALL)07/94]5.
Slide the filter out of the housing, replace with the new
filter, and slide the housing and passenger compartment air
filter back into place. Reinstall the clips on the housing.
[SV23766(ALL)11/93]6.
Replace the grille and wiper arms.
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[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
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[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
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[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
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[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
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Stay within the recommended load limits (seeLoad limitsin
the Index).
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[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
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Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
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[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
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Drive at safe speeds.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
229
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[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
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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.
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[SV29250(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
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[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
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[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