Page 194 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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 o FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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 o](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-193.png)
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.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
221
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usua FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
221
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usua](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-217.png)
Servicing Your Contour
221
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[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.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
235
% [SV33101(ALL)01/95]
Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays
[SV33200(ALL)05/94]
Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicles
electrical system from overloading. I FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
235
% [SV33101(ALL)01/95]
Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays
[SV33200(ALL)05/94]
Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicles
electrical system from overloading. I](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-231.png)
Servicing Your Contour
235
% [SV33101(ALL)01/95]
Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays
[SV33200(ALL)05/94]
Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have been overloaded
and blown a fuse or relay, or tripped a circuit breaker. Before
you replace or repair any electrical parts, check the appropriate
circuit protector.
[SV33400(ALL)05/94]
The following charts tell you which circuit protector protects
each electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit
breaker opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that use the
circuit will not work.
*
[SV33410(ALL)06/95]
Once you have determined which fuses or circuit breakers to
check, follow the procedures underChecking and replacing fuses
orChecking and replacing circuit breakerslater in this chapter.
*
[SV33500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition before working
on or replacing fuses.
[SV33600(ALL)01/95]
The Power Distribution Box Fuses and Relays
[SV33710(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001227-A
The power distribution box location
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Page 245 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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
requir FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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
requir](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-244.png)
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.
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Page 269 of 286

275
Brake-shift interlock.................. 140
Break-in period..................... 4
Brights (high beams)................. 59,84
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 245
headlamps..................... 245
high-mount brakelamp................ 246
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 186
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 187
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 252
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 51
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 26
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system).... 134
Catalytic converter................... 248
Chains, tires...................... 228
Changing a tire.................... 168
Charging system warning light.............. 58
Childproof locks..................... 93
Child safety restraints
child safety belts................... 38
child safety seats................... 26
Child safety seats
and air bags................... 18,26
attaching with tether straps.............. 37
automatic locking mode (retractor)........... 26
in front seat..................... 29
in rear outboard seat................. 29
tether anchorage hardware............... 37
Chime
headlamps on..................... 60
key in ignition.................... 43
safety belt...................... 56
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Page 276 of 286

282
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN)........181, 186
Idle
relearning..................... 167
speed........................ 48
Ignition
chime........................ 43
positions of the ignition................ 41
removing the key................... 42
Infant seats (see Safety seats)............... 26
Instrument cluster.................... 53
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior............. 80
location of components................ 69
J
Jack, operation.................... 171
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables................... 164
disconnecting cables................. 167
K
Keys
key in ignition chime................. 43
positions of the ignition................ 41
removing from the ignition.............. 42
stuck in lock position................. 41
L
Lamps
checking...................... 244
daytime running light system............. 79
dome lamps..................... 80
flashing the lamps.................. 84
fog lamps...................... 78
hazard flashers.................... 86
headlamps...................... 77
high beams...................... 84
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Page 284 of 286

290
U
Used engine oil, disposal................ 212
V
Variable interval wipers................. 84
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) decal.... 249
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)........181, 186
Vehicle loading
automatic transaxles................. 156
calculating the load................. 156
manual transaxles.................. 156
Vehicle storage.................... 255
Ventilating your vehicle (see Climate control)....... 71
Viscosity (see Engine oil)................ 209
Visor (see Sun visor).................. 109
W
Warm engine, starting.................. 47
Warning chimes
headlamps on.................... 60
key in ignition.................... 43
safety belt...................... 56
Warning lights (see Lights)................ 53
Warranties
basic......................... 3
Canada....................... 3
radio........................ 137
Warranty Information Booklet.............. 3
Washer fluid
reservoir...................... 219
windshield..................... 219
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)............. 155
Wheel dollies (see Towing)............... 175
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996