Page 155 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 156
%*
[DR22050(ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicles Load
[DR22150(ALL)01/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the
maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label a FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 156
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[DR22050(ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicles Load
[DR22150(ALL)01/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the
maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label a](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-154.png)
156
%*
[DR22050(ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
[DR22150(ALL)01/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the
maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label attached to the left front door pillar or the left front door
lock facing.
*
[DR22250(ALL)01/95]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the weights of:
*
[DR22350(ALL)01/95]
n
the driver and passengers
*
[DR22400(ALL)01/95]
n
luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle
*
[DR22500(ALL)01/95]
n
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[DR22600(ALL)01/95]
n
the weight of any equipment that has been added to your
vehicle since it was delivered to your dealer
*
[DR22700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not know the actual weights of these items, use the
following procedure to figure the weight of a load:
*
[DR22800(ALL)01/95]1.
Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers and
luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company
or an inspection station for trucks.
*
[DR22900(ALL)01/95]2.
Then weigh your vehicle with the driver, passengers and
luggage.
*
[DR23000(ALL)01/95]3.
Subtract the first reading from the second to figure the total
weight of the load.
*
[DR23100(ALL)01/95]
After determining this load, you must also make sure that the
total weight of your vehicle, plus the load it carries, is less than
its GVWR. Also, make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
*
[DR23200(ALL)01/95]
You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or the door
latch post pillar.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996
Page 168 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 170
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
[RE07650(ALL)05/94]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. If you
have an automatic transaxle, put the gearshift in P (Park). If
yo FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 170
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
[RE07650(ALL)05/94]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. If you
have an automatic transaxle, put the gearshift in P (Park). If
yo](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-167.png)
170
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
[RE07650(ALL)05/94]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. If you
have an automatic transaxle, put the gearshift in P (Park). If
you have a manual transaxle, put the gearshift in 1 (First).
Set the parking brake and block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire that you are changing.
[RE08500(ALL)05/95]
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off
the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (automatic) or 1 (manual). To
prevent the vehicle from moving when you change one of the
front tires, put a block behind the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the tire.
*
[RE08600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
*
[RE08800(ALL)05/95]2.
Get out the spare tire and jack.
*
[RE08825(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
[RE08850(ALL)01/95]3.
Remove the wheel cover from the wheel with the tapered
end of the wheel lug wrench. Insert and twist the handle,
then pry against the inner wheel cover flange. For
information about removing optional wheel center ornaments
seeStyled Polycast Wheel Ornamentslater in this section.
[RE09200(ALL)01/95]4.
Loosen the wheel lug nuts by pulling up on the handle of
the wrench one-half turn counterclockwise. Do not remove
the wheel lug nuts until you raise the tire off the ground.
For information about removing anti-theft lug nuts, see
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nutslater in this section.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996
Page 170 of 286
172
[RE10030(ALL)04/94]
17-1/2 pica art:0000528-E
The notches for the jack
*
[RE10200(ALL)01/95]2.
Turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel clears the
ground. Remove the wheel lug nuts.
*
[RE12100(ALL)01/95]3.
Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure that the
air valve stem is facing outward.
*
[RE12200(ALL)03/95]4.
Reinstall the lug nuts, tightening until the wheel is snug
against the hub. The beveled edges on the lug nuts face
inward. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until you lower the
vehicle. If you do, you could force the vehicle off the jack.
*
[RE12300(ALL)02/95]5.
Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996
Page 171 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
173
*
[RE12400(ALL)01/95]6.
Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown in the following illustration. As soon as possible, have
your dealer or a qualified s FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
173
*
[RE12400(ALL)01/95]6.
Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown in the following illustration. As soon as possible, have
your dealer or a qualified s](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-170.png)
Roadside Emergencies
173
*
[RE12400(ALL)01/95]6.
Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown in the following illustration. As soon as possible, have
your dealer or a qualified service technician check the lug
nuts for proper torque specifications.
[RE12550(ALL)04/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000498-D
The lug nuts on the wheel
*
[RE12600(ALL)11/94]7.
Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the trunk.
*
[RE12700(ALL)03/95]8.
Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make sure the jack is
securely fastened so it does not rattle when you drive.
*
[RE12750(ALL)01/95]9.
Unblock the wheels.
[RE12900(ALL)05/95]
Removing and Replacing Styled Polycast Wheel
Ornaments
[RE13000(ALL)05/95]
To remove a wheel ornament, insert the tapered end of the jack
handle between the ornament and wheel and pry the ornament
from the wheel.
[RE13005(ALL)05/95]
To install the polycast wheel center ornament, you should insert
one side of the ornament into the center of the wheel opening
and strike the opposite side with the palm of your hand until
the ornament is seated in the opening.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996
Page 172 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 174
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[RE14100(ALL)03/95]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
[RE14200(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts on each
wheel locks and must be unlocked with a special key. FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 174
%*
[RE14100(ALL)03/95]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
[RE14200(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts on each
wheel locks and must be unlocked with a special key.](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-171.png)
174
%*
[RE14100(ALL)03/95]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
[RE14200(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts on each
wheel locks and must be unlocked with a special key. If you
lose the key, send the registration card to the manufacturer (not
to the dealer) to get a replacement key.
[RE14250(ALL)05/94]
NOTE: If you lose your lug wrench/lug nut key assembly, see
your nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer who has
access to a master set of keys.
*
[RE14300(ALL)03/95]
DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT WRENCH ON THE LUG
NUT KEY.
[RE14325(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000529-B
The anti-theft lug nut and key
*
[RE14400(ALL)03/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE14600(ALL)03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure that you
hold the key square to the lug nut. If you hold the key on an
angle, you may damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[RE14700(ALL)03/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply
pressure on the key with the wrench. Turn the wrench in a
counterclockwise direction to remove the lug nut.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996
Page 173 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
175
*
[RE14800(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE14900(ALL)03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
175
*
[RE14800(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE14900(ALL)03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-172.png)
Roadside Emergencies
175
*
[RE14800(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE14900(ALL)03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while applying pressure on
the key, install the lug nut.
*
[RE15050(ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
*
[RE15100(ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE15200(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE15250(ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
*
[RE16400(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE16500(ALL)04/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center. Recommended towing options include wheel lift towing
or flat bed towing.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996
Page 175 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
177
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreationa FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
177
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreationa](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-174.png)
Roadside Emergencies
177
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[RE18200(ALL)03/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[RE18300(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
*
[RE18400(ALL)03/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[RE18500(ALL)03/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[RE18600(ALL)03/95]
n
Unlock the steering wheel.
[RE18700(ALL)05/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 35 mph
(55 km/h) or for a distance greater than 50 miles (80 km)
unless the drive wheels are placed on dollies.
[RE18900(ALL)05/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) if you have a manual transaxle. Your maximum
towing distance is unlimited.
*
[RE19000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when
you tow your vehicle. This could damage the bumper
and cause an accident.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996
Page 176 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 179
Customer Assistance
*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators that put you in touch w FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 179
Customer Assistance
*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators that put you in touch w](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-175.png)
179
Customer Assistance
*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators that put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (3 years or
60,000 km), whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside
Assistance coverages beyond this period, through Ford Auto
Club, contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer (not
available in Canada).
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
File:cdhso.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:28:07 1996