1996 FORD CONTOUR instrument panel

*[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of Contents
Introductory Information............... 1
Safety Restraints ................... 7
Starting Your Contour ................. 41
Warning Lights and Gauges .............. 53
Instrument Panel Controls ............... 69
Steering Column Controls ............... 83
Features ....................... 93
Electronic Sound Systems .............. 115
Driving Your Contour ................ 139
Roadside Emergencies ................ 163
Customer Assistance ................ 179
Reporting Safety Defects ............. 185
Accessories ..................... 189
Servicing Your Contour ............... 195
Quick Index .................... 261
Index ........................ 273
Service Station Information ............. 292
File:cdpio.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:09 1996

18
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[SR16050(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in the
front seat.
*
[SR16100(ALL)06/95]
In rear-facing infant seats, the infant's head is closer to the air
bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag could push the
top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback or center
armrests (if so equipped), or center console (if so equipped).
REAR-FACING INFANT CARRIERS MUST ALWAYS BE
SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child safety seats
and infant seats should be secured in the rear seat whenever
possible.
*
[SR16250(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats move the
passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as
possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT
SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.
*
[SR16275(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag.
Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye.
Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must
never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air
bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit
with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most
rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or
infant seats.
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996

20
*
[SR16500(ALL)01/95]
How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
Operates
*
[SR16750(ALL)05/95]
The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The
front passenger seat air bag is located in the center of the
instrument panel ledge above the glove compartment. Both air
bags are designed to stay out of sight until they are activated.
[SR16775(O )05/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001474-A
The location of air bags and warning labels
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996

26
*
[SR20750(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that
has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a
small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you
place a child anywhere near them.
*
[SR20800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.
%*
[SR22000(ALL)01/95]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SR22100(ALL)05/95]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight
of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing and using the safety seat.
*
[SR22125(ALL)02/95]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top
tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position
which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps seeAttaching Safety Seats With
Tether Strapsin this chapter.
*
[SR22300(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag.
Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye.
Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must
never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air
bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit
with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most
rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or
infant seats.
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996

Safety Restraints
27
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[SR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats move the
passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as
possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT
SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.
[SR22450(ALL)05/95]
THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING PASSENGER AIR
BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT
AGAINST THE VEHICLE SEATBACK, ARMRESTS OR
CONSOLE. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS
BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT. Failure to follow these
instructions could result in serious injury.
*
[SR22475(ALL)05/95]
All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.
*
[SR22500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child
occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or
sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also injure
other passengers.
*
[SR22600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions
included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If
you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the
child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.
*
[SR22625(ALL)05/95]
When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct
safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the
tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 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

53
Warning Lights and Gauges
*
[LG00500(O )05/92]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped
together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a
cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:
*
[LG00600(O )05/91]
n
Standard Cluster
*
[LG00700(O )12/89]
n
Sport Cluster
*
[LG01100(O )05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
File:cdlgo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

69
Instrument Panel Controls
*
[IP00310(ALL)01/95]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided
into several different sections. The illustrations on the following
pages show the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all
vehicles.
[IP00400(ALL)05/95]
The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and
radio are on the instrument panel.
*
[IP00420(ALL)03/95]
Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone trim with a soft
cloth and a glass cleaner. Do not use paper towel or any
abrasive cleaner to clean either the lens or the woodtone trim as
these may cause scratches.
%*
[IP00430(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss (shine)
of the upper part of the instrument panel should be
avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect
the driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
File:cdipo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:18:07 1996