1996 FORD CONTOUR brake fluid

Warning Lights and Gauges
57
*
[LG02900(ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
[LG03400(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000971-D*
[LG03500(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not
set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the
START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine
starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake, have the
hydraulic brake system serviced by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
*
[LG03700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Servicing Your Contour
219
[SV20660(ALL)06/95]
Disconnecting the Battery
[SV20675(ALL)02/95]
Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all
the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for
one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to
idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive).
Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if
equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning
process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle.
*
[SV20700(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
*
[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers
*
[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
*
[SV22100(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment. Visual inspection
can determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate
the washer when the reservoir is empty.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
229
*
[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29225(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29250(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[SV29300(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is
not working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle may slip or
shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð
the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29350(ALL)01/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied,
start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of
the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out. Wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

232
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake lining wears.
[SV30401(ALL)02/94]
You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled engine oil
change, but be sure to check it at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the
master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin this chapter to locate
the brake fluid reservoir.) The fluid level should be at or near
the MAX mark.
*
[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV30475(ALL)06/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
*
[SV30500(ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the cap from the
reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV30800(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
*
[SV30900(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
233
*
[SV31000(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
[SV31130(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000671-B
The brake fluid reservoir
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

275
Brake-shift interlock.................. 140
Break-in period..................... 4
Brights (high beams)................. 59,84
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 245
headlamps..................... 245
high-mount brakelamp................ 246
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 186
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 187
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 252
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 51
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 26
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system).... 134
Catalytic converter................... 248
Chains, tires...................... 228
Changing a tire.................... 168
Charging system warning light.............. 58
Childproof locks..................... 93
Child safety restraints
child safety belts................... 38
child safety seats................... 26
Child safety seats
and air bags................... 18,26
attaching with tether straps.............. 37
automatic locking mode (retractor)........... 26
in front seat..................... 29
in rear outboard seat................. 29
tether anchorage hardware............... 37
Chime
headlamps on..................... 60
key in ignition.................... 43
safety belt...................... 56
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

289
Trailer towing..................... 157
calculating maximum trailer weight.......... 157
safety chains.................... 159
tips........................ 160
trailer brakes.................... 160
trailer lamps.................... 160
Transaxle
automatic operation................. 139
fluid, checking and adding (automatic)........ 229
fluid, refill capacities................ 252
lubricant specifications................ 254
Transaxle control switch................ 142
Trip odometer...................... 65
Trunk, using the remote entry system to open....... 95
Tune-up specifications (VECI).............. 249
Turn signal
indicator lights.................... 63
lever......................... 83
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996