1996 FORD CONTOUR snow chains

228
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28601(ALL)06/93]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[SV28750(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[SV28801(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[SV28876(ALL)04/94]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[SV28901(ALL)11/94]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
n
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held
down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29001(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is
lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear
the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the
chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29101(ALL)11/94]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
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

287
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 196
servicing when you tow............... 161
Shift-lock system................... 140
Shift positions (see Gearshift)............140, 145
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints)........ 9
Side mirrors, adjusting................. 107
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)............ 99
Snow tires and chains................. 228
Spare tire
changing the tire.................. 168
finding the spare.................. 169
removing the spare tire............... 169
temporary spare................... 168
Spark plugs, specifications............... 253
Special driving conditions............... 153
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 254
Speed control
accelerating...................... 90
canceling a set speed................. 91
resetting....................... 90
resuming a set speed................. 91
tap up/tap down................... 90
turning off...................... 91
when towing a trailer................ 161
Speedometer...................... 65
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............. 44
starting a cold engine................. 46
starting after a collision................ 50
starting a warm engine................ 47
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 163
Steering, power.................... 149
Steering wheel
horn......................... 86
locking........................ 41
speed controls.................... 88
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

288 Storage compartments
center console................... 110
map pockets.................... 111
Storing your vehicle.................. 255
Sunroof (moon roof)................... 99
Sun visor....................... 109
Supplemental air bag readiness light........... 60
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........... 16
T
Tachometer....................... 66
Tail lamps, cleaning................... 79
Temperature control (see Climate control)......... 71
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints)....... 37
Tires
changing...................... 168
checking the pressure................ 223
cleaning...................... 229
replacing...................... 225
rotating...................... 224
snow tires and chains................ 228
spare tire...................... 169
storing your vehicle................. 257
tire grades..................... 226
treadwear..................... 226
wear bands..................... 225
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).......... 157
Towing your vehicle.................. 175
with a tow truck.................. 175
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996