1996 FORD CONTOUR brake light

42
[ST04400(ALL)05/94]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's electrical accessories
to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you
can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio without starting the
engine.
*
[ST04425(ALL)05/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights (except the
brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you
start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the
engine is started and remains in this position while the engine
runs.
*
[ST04450(ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to
ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to
test the brake warning light.
%*
[ST04500(ALL)02/95]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
*
[ST04600(ALL)05/94]
Procedures for removing your key from the ignition vary,
depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual
transaxle.
*
[ST04700(ALL)04/94]
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle:
*
[ST04800(ALL)06/92]1.
Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
*
[ST04900(ALL)01/95]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
[ST05000(ALL)05/94]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[ST05100(ALL)02/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
*
[ST05200(ALL)04/94]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle:
*
[ST05300(ALL)06/92]1.
Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First).
*
[ST05400(ALL)01/95]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
[ST05701(ALL)05/94]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[ST05801(ALL)02/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

Starting Your Contour
45
*
[ST09100(ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
*
[ST09310(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST09320(ALL)02/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST09330(ALL)05/95]1.
Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
*
[ST09340(ALL)03/95]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to the ON position.
*
[ST09350(ALL)03/95]3.
DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
*
[ST09360(ALL)02/95]4.
Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the
engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position
after the engine has started.
*
[ST09370(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

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

66
[LG22025(O )03/95]
Sport Cluster
*
[LG22050(O )04/94]
The sport cluster has basically the same standard warning lights
and gauges as the standard cluster, with the following
additional features:
*
[LG22100(ALL)02/95]
Tachometer
*
[LG22200(ALL)01/95]
The tachometer displays the approximate engine revolutions per
minute (rpm), or how fast the engine is running.
*
[LG22300(ALL)01/95]
If you drive with the tachometer in the red zone, you may
damage the engine.
%*
[LG22400(ALL)02/95]
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light (If equipped)
[LG22500(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[LG22600(ALL)04/95]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (between 12 and
25 mph [20 and 40 km/h] for vehicles equipped with the
traction control system). The system turns on the ABS pump
motor for approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical
noise may be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the
self-check feature. If a malfunction is found during this check
the anti-lock light will come on.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Steering Column Controls
91
[SC09500(ALL)05/95]
To Cancel Speed Control
[SC09600(ALL)05/95]
Speed control can be cancelled at any time by pressing the
brake pedal slightly. After cancelling, you can return to the
speed you set by pressing the RES switch, or set a new speed
by pressing the SET ACC or COAST switch.
%*
[SC10900(ALL)06/95]
Cancelling and Resuming a Set Speed
[SC11000(ALL)05/95]
If you press the brake pedal, the speed control is suspended.
You can return to the set speed by pressing the RES switch, as
long as you did not press the OFF switch. You must be driving
at least 30 mph (50 km/h).
*
[SC11300(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle will gradually return to the previously set speed
and then maintain it.
%*
[SC11360(ALL)05/95]
To Turn Off the Speed Control System
*
[SC11370(ALL)05/95]
Press the OFF switch.
*
[SC11380(ALL)05/95]
In addition, the speed control is turned off each time you turn
the vehicle off.
File:cdsco.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:03 1996

142
[DR01100(ALL)05/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
%*
[DR01600(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR01700(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will
move backward. You should always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[DR01725(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR01750(ALL)11/94]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
*
[DR01800(ALL)01/95]
Driving
[DR01825(ALL)02/94]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The
Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift
handle. The transaxle control indicator light (OD OFF) is located
on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any
of the several positions.
[DR01850(ALL)05/94]
The OD OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation. This allows the transaxle to upshift and downshift
from first through fourth gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

148
[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
Downshifting
*
[DR09800(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[DR09900(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[DR10000(ALL)03/95]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
[DR10201(ALL)05/95]
Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with the clutch pedal
depressed at speeds higher than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you do,
it could cause a complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
[DR10301(ALL)01/95]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[DR10405(ALL)05/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[DR10505(ALL)05/95]
Working with the anti-lock brake system, the traction control
system monitors the speed of the wheels as they roll over the
road surface. When a wheel starts to spin because of slippery
conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by
closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the
traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning
wheel.
[DR10605(ALL)05/95]
When the traction control system becomes active, the driver
may notice a very slight kick and then a hard resistance in the
accelerator pedal, and a mechanical noise. The traction control
system light on the instrument panel comes on or flashes on
and off during activation.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
149
[DR10705(ALL)05/95]
The traction control system can be turned off manually by
pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will
remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off.
[DR10805(ALL)05/94]
Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will
automatically be on. When the ignition is turned to the ON
position, the traction control system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds.
[DR10905(ALL)05/95]
If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON position or if it does not come on when the T/C OFF
button is pressed, have the system serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of the traction control feature. You do not need to have
the vehicle towed in.
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15900(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR16000(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
[DR16200(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR16450(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle may have four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes
or power front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes which adjust
automatically through everyday use.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996