1996 FORD CONTOUR towing

50
*
[ST11200(ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks but Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
%*
[ST11300(ALL)04/95]
Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[ST11400(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start after a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial
jolt.
[ST11500(ALL)01/95]
Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is located
on the left hand kick panel in the driver's footwell.
[ST11600(ALL)01/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000530-D
The left-hand kick panel in the driver's footwell
*
[ST11700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
File:cdsto.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

Driving Your Contour
157
*
[DR23300(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds the GAWR for
either axle, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR23400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying
weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal
can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
*
[DR23500(ALL)04/95]
Trailer Towing
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum
of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum
tongue load of 100 lbs (45 kg). It should also have 25 sq. ft.
(2.3 sq. meters) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than
55 mph (90 km/h) while towing a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) trailer.
*
[DR23700(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to
tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
*
[DR23800(ALL)01/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you
must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of
your vehicle:
*
[DR25800(ALL)11/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow. (SeeKnowing Your
Vehicle's Load Limits.)
*
[DR25900(ALL)01/95]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26000(ALL)01/95]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR26100(ALL)01/95]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

158
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[DR26300(ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the
tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of
the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR26400(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
*
[DR26500(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[DR26600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is
being used.
*
[DR27000(ALL)04/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
*
[DR28500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR28600(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR28700(ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The
bumper is not designed to bear the load.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

160
%*
[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic
brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that your
trailer's brakes meet local and federal regulations.
*
[DR29600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system wiring directly to
your vehicle's lighting system wiring.To get the proper
equipment for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
*
[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause
damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
%*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30050(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle and you are towing a
trailer, you should select gear positions which will avoid jerking
or excessive engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in 1
(First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the trailer is too big or
heavily loaded for your vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving
in these two gears while towing a trailer is not recommended.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
161
[DR30100(ALL)11/94]
When you tow up or down steep hills, move the manual
transaxle gearshift to a lower gear. This will increase engine
power on upgrades and engine braking on downgrades.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the automatic transaxle to
1 (First) when descending. This will give more engine braking
on downgrades. The automatic transaxle will automatically
downshift to the proper gear on upgrades.
%*
[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR30400(ALL)05/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Roadside Emergencies
175
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[RE14800(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE14900(ALL)03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while applying pressure on
the key, install the lug nut.
*
[RE15050(ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
*
[RE15100(ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE15200(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE15250(ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
*
[RE16400(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE16500(ALL)04/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center. Recommended towing options include wheel lift towing
or flat bed towing.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996

176
[RE16600(ALL)05/95]
three fourths page
art:0001100-D*
[RE16700(ALL)04/95]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996

Roadside Emergencies
177
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[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[RE18200(ALL)03/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[RE18300(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
*
[RE18400(ALL)03/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[RE18500(ALL)03/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[RE18600(ALL)03/95]
n
Unlock the steering wheel.
[RE18700(ALL)05/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 35 mph
(55 km/h) or for a distance greater than 50 miles (80 km)
unless the drive wheels are placed on dollies.
[RE18900(ALL)05/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) if you have a manual transaxle. Your maximum
towing distance is unlimited.
*
[RE19000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when
you tow your vehicle. This could damage the bumper
and cause an accident.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996