1996 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

Starting Your Contour
47
[ST09405(ALL)05/95]
2.5L engine:
*
[ST09411(ALL)05/95]
n
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
[ST09415(ALL)05/95]
n
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, wait approximately
ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try
again.
%*
[ST09421(ALL)05/95]
For a warm engine:
[ST09425(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seconds on the first try, wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[ST09430(ALL)05/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter or
flood the engine.
*
[ST09435(ALL)05/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep
your foot on the brake pedal and put the gearshift lever in gear.
Release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and
drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST09440(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, your vehicle has an interlock that prevents
you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is
on the brake pedal.
%*
[ST09480(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
[ST09494(ALL)01/95]1.
Press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it.
[ST09496(ALL)01/95]2.
Turn the ignition key to the START position.
[ST09497(ALL)01/95]3.
Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
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48
[ST09498(ALL)01/95]4.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST09500(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST10200(ALL)05/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[ST10250(ALL)05/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(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.
*
[ST10500(ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures,
use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).
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Starting Your Contour
49
%*
[ST10600(ALL)06/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[ST10700(ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An
engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the
heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST10900(ALL)01/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a grounded 110-volt
outlet. Ford recommends that you use a 110-volt circuit that is
protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[ST11100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
*
[ST11150(ALL)03/95]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before
you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three
hours will not damage the engine, so you can plug it in at night
to start your vehicle the following morning.
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50
*
[ST11200(ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks but Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
%*
[ST11300(ALL)04/95]
Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[ST11400(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start after a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial
jolt.
[ST11500(ALL)01/95]
Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is located
on the left hand kick panel in the driver's footwell.
[ST11600(ALL)01/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000530-D
The left-hand kick panel in the driver's footwell
*
[ST11700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
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Starting Your Contour
51
*
[ST11800(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
*
[ST11900(ALL)04/95]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST12050(ALL)03/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
*
[ST12100(ALL)03/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel.If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again.If you do not
see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST12175(ALL)03/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more
than a short period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding Against Exhaust
Fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
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52
*
[ST12700(ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked
whenever:
*
[ST12800(ALL)02/95]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST12900(ALL)02/95]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST13000(ALL)01/95]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[ST13200(ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[ST13300(ALL)03/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in
outside air.
[ST13500(ALL)11/93]
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on medium or high with
the function control knob turned to FLR, PNL/FLR or PANEL.
[ST13800(ALL)12/88]
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on medium or
high with the A/C button pressed. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
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53
Warning Lights and Gauges
*
[LG00500(O )05/92]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped
together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a
cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:
*
[LG00600(O )05/91]
n
Standard Cluster
*
[LG00700(O )12/89]
n
Sport Cluster
*
[LG01100(O )05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
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54
[LG01350(O )05/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001262-B
The standard cluster
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996