1996 FORD CONTOUR light

195
Servicing Your Contour
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
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If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
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Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance Checklist,be
alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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Servicing Your Contour
205
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6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
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Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine.
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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.
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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.
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Gasolines for clean air
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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%).
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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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Servicing Your Contour
209
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Self-Service Pointers
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If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
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The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
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Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
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Check windshield washer fluid
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Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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Engine Oil Recommendations
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We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
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10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
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210
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Neveruse:
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ªNon-Detergentº oils
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Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
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Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
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Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
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Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) (manual transaxle).
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Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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212
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Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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Nearly all engines will consume engine oil. As a result, it may
be necessary to add some oil between oil changes.
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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
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twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
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Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for
additional information.
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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.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

244the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked.
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If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same
amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the
fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it
straight out of its socket.
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Lights and Bulb Replacement
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It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
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headlamps
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tail lamps
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brakelamps
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high-mount brakelamp
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hazard flasher
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turn signals
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side markers
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license plate lamp
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The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if:
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oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your
vehicle's high beams when you do not have the high beams
on
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the headlamps do not seem to give you enough light to see
clearly at night
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the headlamps are not aligned so that they point slightly
down and to the right.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
249
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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.
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Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
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Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
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By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
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Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
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Information about your vehicle's emission control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
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Servicing Your Contour
255
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Vehicle Storage
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Maintenance Tips
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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.
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General
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Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
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Protect from sunlight, if possible.
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If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
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Body
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Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or
mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing and
underside of front fenders.
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Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
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Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
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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.
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Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
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Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
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Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996