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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 196
*
[SV01275(ALL)03/95]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best performance i FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 196
*
[SV01275(ALL)03/95]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best performance i](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-192.png)
196
*
[SV01275(ALL)03/95]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your assurance that
Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
%*
[SV01280(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
*
[SV01600(ALL)03/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[SV01700(ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
%*
[SV01800(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fan may
come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it
cool.
*
[SV01850(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
*
[SV01900(ALL)03/95]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)01/95]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported by a jack
only. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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![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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Servicing Your Contour
199
[SV04000(ALL)05/94]3.
Lift the hood and secure it in the open position with the
prop rod. Make sure only the hole in the hood marked in
yellow is used.
[SV04100(ALL)02/89]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop rod is in its
retainer and that the hood latches securely.
*
[SV04201(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-month
intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-free
operation.
*
[SV04301(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Read and understandPrecautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter before
opening the hood.
*
[SV04500(ALL)04/95]
Engine Compartment
[SV05200(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle has a 4-cylinder 2.0L EFI or 6-cylinder 2.5L EFI
engine.
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200
[SV05500(ALL)05/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001162-D
The 2.0L EFI engine
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Servicing Your Contour
201
[SV05550(ALL)05/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001163-D
The 2.5L EFI engine
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-198.png)
202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[SV05625(ALL)05/95]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV05650(ALL)04/95]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[SV05675(ALL)06/95]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[SV05700(ALL)04/95]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
*
[SV06100(ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06125(ALL)03/95]
Fuel Filler Door Release (If equipped)
[SV06200(ALL)04/94]
On some models, the fuel filler door cannot be opened from
outside the vehicle. To unlatch the fuel filler door, find the front
end of the release handle on the floor to the left of the driver's
seat. Push the handle down firmly until it stops and the door
pops open.
[SV06275(ALL)05/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0000601-F
The fuel filler door release
[SV06300(ALL)01/95]
If the fuel filler door does not open when you push the release
handle, open the trunk and find the override release on the
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 204
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Repl FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 204
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Repl](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-200.png)
204
*
[SV06625(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
[SV06650(ALL)05/95]3.
Replace the fuel cap completely when you are finished. Turn
it clockwise until it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[SV06675(ALL)05/95]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
*
[SV06690(ALL)06/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[SV06700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[SV06750(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[SV07500(ALL)05/95]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[SV07600(ALL)05/95]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL in your vehicle. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law. Your warranty may not apply if
your vehicle is damaged because you used the wrong fuel.
*
[SV07625(ALL)05/95]
Using a high-quality fuel makes your vehicle more responsive
and maintain its good fuel economy and emissions. It should
not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
*
[SV07700(ALL)05/95]
Octane recommendations
*
[SV07750(ALL)05/95]
Your engine is designed to use regular fuel with an octane
rating of 87. In most cases it is not necessary to use a fuel with
an octane rating higher than 87. At service stations, the octane
rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.
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205
*
[SV07800(ALL)06/95]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[SV07850(ALL)06/95]
Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
205
*
[SV07800(ALL)06/95]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[SV07850(ALL)06/95]
Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking,](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-201.png)
Servicing Your Contour
205
*
[SV07800(ALL)06/95]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[SV07850(ALL)06/95]
Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine.
*
[SV07900(ALL)05/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly
when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. However, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician if persistent heavy
knocking occurs because this can damage the engine.
*
[SV09450(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle has problems with starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused
by fuel with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
*
[SV09875(ALL)05/95]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[SV09900(ALL)06/95]
Fuels in certain areas of the country are required to contain
oxygenates to improve air quality. Common oxygenates are
ethanol or grain alcohol (blended at no more than 10%),
methanol or wood alcohol (blended at no more than 5% with
cosolvents and additives), and MTBE or methyl tertiary butyl
ether (blended at no more than 15%).
*
[SV09950(ALL)05/95]
Reformulated fuel is also required in certain areas of the U.S.
These fuels are designed to further reduce the emissions from
your vehicle.
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