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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-203.png)
Servicing Your Contour
207 individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
%*
[SV11300(ALL)05/95]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[SV11325(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
*
[SV11550(ALL)05/95]
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
*
[SV11580(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
%*
[SV11600(ALL)05/95]
Fuel Economy
*
[SV11700(ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
*
[SV11725(ALL)05/95]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much
fuel your vehicle will normally use.
*
[SV11750(ALL)05/95]
To calculate fuel economy:
*
[SV11850(ALL)06/95]1.
Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
*
[SV11950(ALL)05/95]2.
Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
*
[SV12150(ALL)05/95]3.
After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the fuel tank and
record the final odometer reading.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 208
*
[SV12200(ALL)05/95]4.
Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
*
[SV12250(ALL)05/95]
n
English: MPGU(total miles driven)V(gallons used)
*
[SV12275(ALL)05/95]
n
Metric: L/100kU(liters FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 208
*
[SV12200(ALL)05/95]4.
Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
*
[SV12250(ALL)05/95]
n
English: MPGU(total miles driven)V(gallons used)
*
[SV12275(ALL)05/95]
n
Metric: L/100kU(liters](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-204.png)
208
*
[SV12200(ALL)05/95]4.
Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
*
[SV12250(ALL)05/95]
n
English: MPGU(total miles driven)V(gallons used)
*
[SV12275(ALL)05/95]
n
Metric: L/100kU(liters used)V(100 kilometers)
%*
[SV12300(ALL)05/95]
Comparisons With EPA Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[SV12400(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
*
[SV12610(ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV12615(ALL)05/95]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV12625(ALL)05/95]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[SV12630(ALL)05/95]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12635(ALL)05/95]
n
Sudden stops
*
[SV12640(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended engine idling
*
[SV12645(ALL)05/95]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV12650(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
*
[SV12655(ALL)05/95]
n
Underinflated tires
*
[SV12660(ALL)05/95]
n
Heavy loads
*
[SV12665(ALL)05/95]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
209
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
209
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-205.png)
Servicing Your Contour
209
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV13530(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
*
[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[SV13650(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 210
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
n
Additional engine oil FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 210
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
n
Additional engine oil](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-206.png)
210
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
[SV13710(ALL)04/95]
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).
%*
[SV13770(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]1.
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.
*
[SV14050(ALL)05/94]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
211
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350(ALL)05/94]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick ( FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Contour
211
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350(ALL)05/94]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-207.png)
Servicing Your Contour
211
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[SV14350(ALL)05/94]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine)
[SV14400(ALL)05/94]
6 pica art:0001245-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine)
[SV14450(ALL)05/94]6.
2.0L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the lower notch, add engine oil as necessary.
If the oil level is beyond the upper notch, engine damage
and/or high oil comsumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
[SV14500(ALL)05/95]
2.5L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the MIN line, add engine oil as necessary. If
the oil level is above the letter M in MAX, engine damage
and/or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 212
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
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 t FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 212
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
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 t](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-208.png)
212
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV15200(O )05/95]
Nearly all engines will consume engine oil. As a result, it may
be necessary to add some oil between oil changes.
*
[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[SV16400(ALL)03/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
[SV16500(ALL)05/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
[SV16600(ALL)04/95]
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for
additional information.
%*
[SV16700(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.
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Servicing Your Contour
213
*
[SV17275(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17290(ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17320(ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17400(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.
[SV17720(ALL)05/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000336-D
The engine coolant recovery reservoir (2.5L shown Ð 2.0L similar)
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicles coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicles coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look](/manual-img/11/4765/w960_4765-210.png)
214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine
coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate
the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under
Engine Type, in this chapter.
*
[SV17850(ALL)01/95]
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at
least once a month using the following guidelines.
[SV17900(ALL)01/95]
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the
engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the
MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be
at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in
either condition, coolant may need to be added.
*
[SV18000(ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from
internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the
water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
*
[SV18100(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
[SV18500(ALL)01/95]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you
remove the coolant recovery cap.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996