1996 FORD CONTOUR lock

142
[DR01100(ALL)05/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
%*
[DR01600(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
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[DR01700(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will
move backward. You should always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).
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[DR01725(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR01750(ALL)11/94]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
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[DR01800(ALL)01/95]
Driving
[DR01825(ALL)02/94]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The
Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift
handle. The transaxle control indicator light (OD OFF) is located
on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any
of the several positions.
[DR01850(ALL)05/94]
The OD OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation. This allows the transaxle to upshift and downshift
from first through fourth gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

144
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[DR02100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
[DR02200(ALL)05/94]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[DR02300(ALL)05/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
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[DR02500(ALL)04/95]
When to use 1 (First)
[DR02700(ALL)05/94]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[DR02800(ALL)05/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to
D (Overdrive) at any speed.
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[DR02900(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
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[DR03000(ALL)11/94]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
*
[DR03100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR03200(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
[DR03400(ALL)01/89]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
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148
[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
Downshifting
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[DR09800(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[DR09900(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[DR10000(ALL)03/95]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
[DR10201(ALL)05/95]
Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with the clutch pedal
depressed at speeds higher than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you do,
it could cause a complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
[DR10301(ALL)01/95]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[DR10405(ALL)05/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[DR10505(ALL)05/95]
Working with the anti-lock brake system, the traction control
system monitors the speed of the wheels as they roll over the
road surface. When a wheel starts to spin because of slippery
conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by
closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the
traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning
wheel.
[DR10605(ALL)05/95]
When the traction control system becomes active, the driver
may notice a very slight kick and then a hard resistance in the
accelerator pedal, and a mechanical noise. The traction control
system light on the instrument panel comes on or flashes on
and off during activation.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
149
[DR10705(ALL)05/95]
The traction control system can be turned off manually by
pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will
remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off.
[DR10805(ALL)05/94]
Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will
automatically be on. When the ignition is turned to the ON
position, the traction control system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds.
[DR10905(ALL)05/95]
If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON position or if it does not come on when the T/C OFF
button is pressed, have the system serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of the traction control feature. You do not need to have
the vehicle towed in.
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[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15900(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR16000(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
[DR16200(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
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[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR16450(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle may have four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes
or power front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes which adjust
automatically through everyday use.
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150
[DR16575(ALL)11/94]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, it may have
four-wheel power disc brakes or power front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes, which adjust automatically as the brake pads
or linings wear down.
[DR16700(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, apply the brake
pedal gradually. Use the ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the
brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which
lets you steer properly.
*
[DR16800(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, extreme braking
can make the wheels lock and slide, causing you to lose control
of the steering. If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal and
repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal; you
will wear out the linings and increase your vehicle's stopping
distance. Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur.
*
[DR17000(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
*
[DR17100(ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
[DR17350(ALL)05/95]
Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped)
*
[DR17450(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle may come with the optional anti-lock brake
system. Whenever your wheels start to lock (which could result
in a skid) the anti-lock brake system prevents the lock-up by
automatically releasing and re-applying the brakes. The brake
pedal will pulsate as a result of the automatic releasing and
re-applying of the brakes. In spite of this improvement in
braking performance, you should continue to be cautious in all
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
151 hazardous driving situations, especially when driving on
hazardous road surfaces. Even with your anti-lock brake system,
you may not have total control of your vehicle when braking on
roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, holes in the
pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
*
[DR17500(ALL)05/95]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is driven over
uneven road surfaces, the ABS may cycle and the driver may
sense a pulsation in the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight
up and down movement of the pedal height and a clicking
sound. This may also happen when driving on an inclined
surface such as a driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
[DR17600(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[DR17650(ALL)05/95]
The Anti-lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (12 mph
[20 km/h] for vehicles equipped with the traction control
system). The system turns on the ABS pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical noise may
be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the self-check feature.
If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light
will come on.
*
[DR17700(ALL)12/93]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
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154
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[DR20505(ALL)01/92]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your wheels.
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[DR20600(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into 1 (First) with the automatic transaxle
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle when
moving faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
*
[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not use it on
slippery roads. You could lose control of your vehicle
and could injure someone.
*
[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your vehicle gets stuck
(for example, in mud or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of
the spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and reverse
gears. While in each gear, press lightly on the accelerator and
release.
*
[DR20900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward, you may gain
enough momentum to move out of the spot. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires. If you are
still stuck after a minute or two of rocking, call for a tow truck.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
155
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[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
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[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
%*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[DR21700(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing
or on the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR21900(ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR22000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996