1996 FORD CONTOUR wheel

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

Servicing Your Contour
227 performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning) traction.
*
[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

228
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28601(ALL)06/93]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[SV28750(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[SV28801(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[SV28876(ALL)04/94]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[SV28901(ALL)11/94]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
n
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held
down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29001(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is
lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear
the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the
chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29101(ALL)11/94]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
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
*
[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
*
[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

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

276 Circuit breakers, checking and replacing......... 243
Cleaning your vehicle
CD player and discs................. 125
chrome and aluminum parts.............. 6
exterior....................... 5
exterior lamps.................... 79
fabric....................... 106
headlamps...................... 79
instrument panel................... 69
mirrors....................... 108
plastic parts..................... 6
polishing....................... 5
rear windows..................... 76
rustproofing..................... 6
safety belts...................... 16
tail lamps...................... 79
upholstery and interior trim............. 106
washing....................... 5
wheels....................... 229
windows....................... 76
Clutch
operation while driving............... 145
shifting the gears.................. 145
specifications.................... 254
Cold engine starting................... 46
Combination lap and shoulder belts............ 9
Compact disc player (see Electronic sound system).... 121
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound system).... 116
Console, description.................. 110
Controls
instrument panel................... 69
mirrors....................... 107
steering column.................... 83
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding................ 213
preparing for storage................ 256
refill capacities................... 252
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

287
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 196
servicing when you tow............... 161
Shift-lock system................... 140
Shift positions (see Gearshift)............140, 145
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints)........ 9
Side mirrors, adjusting................. 107
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)............ 99
Snow tires and chains................. 228
Spare tire
changing the tire.................. 168
finding the spare.................. 169
removing the spare tire............... 169
temporary spare................... 168
Spark plugs, specifications............... 253
Special driving conditions............... 153
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 254
Speed control
accelerating...................... 90
canceling a set speed................. 91
resetting....................... 90
resuming a set speed................. 91
tap up/tap down................... 90
turning off...................... 91
when towing a trailer................ 161
Speedometer...................... 65
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............. 44
starting a cold engine................. 46
starting after a collision................ 50
starting a warm engine................ 47
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 163
Steering, power.................... 149
Steering wheel
horn......................... 86
locking........................ 41
speed controls.................... 88
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

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