1996 FORD CONTOUR check engine

48
[ST09498(ALL)01/95]4.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST09500(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST10200(ALL)05/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[ST10250(ALL)05/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[ST10500(ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures,
use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

Starting Your Contour
51
*
[ST11800(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
*
[ST11900(ALL)04/95]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST12050(ALL)03/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
*
[ST12100(ALL)03/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel.If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again.If you do not
see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST12175(ALL)03/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more
than a short period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding Against Exhaust
Fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

52
*
[ST12700(ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked
whenever:
*
[ST12800(ALL)02/95]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST12900(ALL)02/95]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST13000(ALL)01/95]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[ST13200(ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[ST13300(ALL)03/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in
outside air.
[ST13500(ALL)11/93]
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on medium or high with
the function control knob turned to FLR, PNL/FLR or PANEL.
[ST13800(ALL)12/88]
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on medium or
high with the A/C button pressed. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
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

58
*
[LG03800(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG03900(ALL)03/95]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[LG04100(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000293-C*
[LG04300(ALL)05/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON
or START position (engine off). The light should go off when
the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG04400(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
%*
[LG04800(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
*
[LG04900(ALL)01/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your
key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off
when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
[LG05010(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000294-BFile:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
59
*
[LG05105(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG05200(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG05300(ALL)11/94]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
*
[LG05400(ALL)11/94]3.
Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on
checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See
Engine oilin the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured. To ensure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.
[LG05500(ALL)11/94]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary to
bring it to the full level before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for
further service actions.
*
[LG06200(ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG06300(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high
beam or when you flash the lights.
[LG06350(ALL)05/94]
If the high beam light flashes in a vehicle equipped with the
Daytime Running Light (DRL) system (Canada), it indicates a
failure in the DRL circuit. Check the bulbs and fuses or have
the DRL system checked by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
[LG06400(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000295-BFile:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
61
*
[LG07650(ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
*
[LG07750(ALL)05/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists
of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the
operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain control system
during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the
Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.
*
[LG07800(ALL)05/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect
operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar
alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running
wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.
[LG07850(ALL)03/95]
6 pica art:0000640-B*
[LG07900(ALL)05/95]
This light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the
ON position, but should turn off when the engine starts. If the
light does not come on when you turn the ignition to the ON
position or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving,
have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a
possible problem with one of the engine's emission control
systems.You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG07950(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while
you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is
misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the
first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed
in.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

62
*
[LG08001(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are
driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition
corrected itself.
*
[LG08050(ALL)05/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an
engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the
Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was
misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After
refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after
the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles
without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists
of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient
temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
*
[LG08100(ALL)05/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not
necessary to have the engine serviced.
*
[LG08150(ALL)05/95]
Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Check
Engine Warning Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel
cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is
safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the
fuel cap, making sure it is properly seated.
*
[LG08201(ALL)05/95]
After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on
the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth
engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a
qualified technician.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996