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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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![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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Servicing Your Contour
203 right side. The override release is a handle which is marked
with a fuel pump symbol. Open the fuel filler door by pulling
on the handle.
[SV06340(ALL)04/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001019-C
Fuel filler door release Ð manual override
*
[SV06350(ALL)02/95]
Filling the fuel tank
*
[SV06375(ALL)05/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger side near the
back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[SV06400(ALL)05/95]1.
After opening the fuel filler door, remove the cap carefully
and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If
a hissing sound is heard, wait until it stops, then continue
turning until the cap is free.
*
[SV06500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the
cap.
*
[SV06550(ALL)05/95]2.
Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before
pumping the fuel.
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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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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
215
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)03/95]3.
Step ba FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
215
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)03/95]3.
Step ba](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-211.png)
Servicing Your Contour
215
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)03/95]3.
Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV18800(ALL)05/95]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to turn and remove cap.
*
[SV18900(ALL)02/95]5.
Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot steam may blow
out or hot engine coolant may even splash out.
*
[SV19000(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious
personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam
blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or
engine.
*
[SV19025(ALL)03/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's
coolant system can hold, seeRefill capacities for fluidsin the
Index.
*
[SV19100(ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add a quart (liter) of engine coolant more than
once a month.
*
[SV19102(ALL)06/95]
Add engine coolant only to the recovery reservoir.If the
coolant level is low, add to the reservoir a 50/50 mixture of
water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You
may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should
replace it with a 50/50 mixture as soon as possible. Check the
engine coolant again the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[SV19104(ALL)02/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula
that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford
engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your
engine cooling system. Follow the recommended service interval
for changing your engine coolant.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
R FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
R](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-220.png)
224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
[SV25000(ALL)02/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold (after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than
3 miles [5 km]). You can find the proper cold pressure and load
limits of recommended size tires on the Tire Pressure Decal on
the left front door lock facing.
*
[SV25075(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[SV25100(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV25200(ALL)04/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
*
[SV25300(ALL)04/95]
Do not include the spare tire as part of your rotation.
[SV25350(ALL)02/95]
If you notice that the tires wear unevely, have them checked.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
245
*
[SV38800(ALL)03/95]
Headlamp Bulb
[SV38900(ALL)05/94]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs, one for
high beam and one for low beam on each side. When the la FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
245
*
[SV38800(ALL)03/95]
Headlamp Bulb
[SV38900(ALL)05/94]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs, one for
high beam and one for low beam on each side. When the la](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-241.png)
Servicing Your Contour
245
*
[SV38800(ALL)03/95]
Headlamp Bulb
[SV38900(ALL)05/94]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs, one for
high beam and one for low beam on each side. When the lamp
burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.
*
[SV39000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out
of children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic
base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand
could cause the bulb to break the next time the
headlamps are operated.
*
[SV39100(ALL)01/95]
Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you can immediately
replace it with a new one. If a bulb is removed for an extended
period of time, contaminants may enter the headlamp housing
and affect its performance.
*
[SV39300(ALL)03/95]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[SV39400(ALL)05/95]1.
Make sure that the headlamp knob is in the OFF position.
*
[SV39500(ALL)02/95]2.
Lift the hood and find the bulb in the headlamp socket.
[SV39850(ALL)04/94]3.
Remove the bulb assembly by turning it clockwise and
pulling it out of the headlamp socket.
[SV40050(ALL)04/94]4.
Remove the L-shaped bulb by pressing the retaining clip at
the base of the electrical connector and sliding the bulb out.
*
[SV40300(ALL)03/95]
Installing the headlamp bulb
[SV40450(ALL)04/94]1.
Without touching the glass on the bulb, insert the new bulb.
You may want to protect the bulb by holding it with a piece
of cloth or paper towel. Make sure the retaining clip at the
base of the electrical connector locks.
[SV40550(ALL)04/94]2.
Insert the bulb assembly in the headlamp socket. Turn it
counterclockwise to lock it in place.
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246
[SV40700(ALL)04/94]3.
Turn the headlamps on and make sure that they work
properly. If the headlamp was correctly aligned before you
changed the bulb, you should not need to align it again.
*
[SV40750(ALL)02/95]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[SV40841(ALL)02/94]
From the back seat, remove the back of the brakelamp
assembly. Depress the two retaining tabs on the ends of the
assembly and pull off the back.
[SV40843(ALL)02/94]
Turn the burned-out bulb counterclockwise and pull it out. Push
in the replacement bulb and turn it clockwise to lock it in the
socket. Replace the back of the brakelamp assembly, making
sure that the retaining tabs snap into place.
[SV40848(ALL)02/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0000624-B
The high-mount brakelamp assembly
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