1996 FORD CONTOUR fuel

248
*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[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

Servicing Your Contour
249
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[SV41900(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
*
[SV42000(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV42100(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV42300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV42400(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

256
%*
[SV45350(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
n
With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV45600(ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
%*
[SV45700(ALL)07/94]
n
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
*
[SV45900(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
*
[SV46000(ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[SV46100(ALL)01/95]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
n
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
n
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
n
Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
*
[SV46650(ALL)03/95]
n
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without
recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for
quick starting.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

278 Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system).......... 130
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system) . . . 130
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 179
battery acid spills.................. 163
jump-starting.................... 163
towing....................... 175
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 152
Emission control system
catalytic converter.................. 248
emissions warranty................ 3,248
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 61
does not start..................... 47
fuel injected engine, starting............ 43,45
fuel pump shut-off switch............... 50
preparing to start................... 44
refill capacities................... 252
service points.................... 199
starting....................... 45
starting after a collision................ 50
storing your vehicle................. 256
Engine block heater................... 49
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 213
disposal...................... 216
low coolant warning light............... 67
preparing for storage................ 256
recovery reservoir................199, 214
refill capacities................... 252
specifications.................... 254
temperature gauge.................. 64
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

279
Engine coolant temperature gauge............. 64
Engine fan...................... 196
Engine oil
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 4
changing oil and oil filter.............. 212
checking and adding................ 210
dipstick...................... 210
disposal...................... 212
engine oil pressure warning light............ 58
filter, specifications................. 253
refill capacities................... 252
specifications.................... 254
synthetic oil.................... 210
viscosity...................... 209
Entry system, illuminated................ 94
Exhaust fumes...................... 51
Extended Service Plan, Ford............... 4
F
Flashers, hazard..................... 86
Flashing the lamps.................... 84
Flat tire........................ 168
Fluid refill capacities.................. 252
Foglamps........................ 78
Ford Dispute Settlement Board............. 182
Ford Extended Service Plan................ 4
Ford of Canada Customer Assistance Centre....... 186
Foreign registration.................. 187
French owner guides, how to obtain............ 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy............... 207
capacity...................... 252
choosing the right fuel................ 204
comparisons with EPA fuel economy estimates..... 208
filling your vehicle with fuel............. 202
filter, specifications................. 253
fuel gauge...................... 64
running out of fuel................. 207
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

280 Fuel (continued)
safety information relating to automotive fuels..... 206
storing your vehicle................. 256
treating emergencies................. 206
Fuel cap
removing...................... 202
replacing...................... 204
Fuel filler door, remote release............. 202
Fuel filter, specifications................ 253
Fuel gauge....................... 64
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start................. 50
starting after a collision................ 50
Fuse panels, instrument panel............. 242
Fuses
charts....................... 242
checking and replacing............... 242
circuit breakers................... 243
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap)................. 202
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)............ 207
Gasoline (see Fuel).................. 202
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge........... 64
fuel gauge...................... 64
odometer....................... 65
speedometer..................... 65
tachometer...................... 66
trip odometer..................... 65
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 156
definition...................... 155
driving with a heavy load.............. 155
location...................... 155
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 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