1996 FORD CONTOUR warning light

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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

7
Safety Restraints
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Important Safety Belt Information
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The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your
passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada
the law requires their use.
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Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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the seatback is upright
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the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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the knees are straight forward
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To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning
light may come on and a chime may sound. SeeSafety Belt
Warning Light and Chimein theWarning Lights and Gauges
chapter.
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See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how
to properly use these safety belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for
Childrenin this chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
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RWARNING
Make sure that you and your passengers wear safety
belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright
and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996

Safety Restraints
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[SR17740(ALL)02/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0001206-A
Inflated passenger-side air bag
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RWARNING
If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED
IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
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To ensure that the air bag system will operate as intended in a
crash, the system is equipped with a diagnostic module, which
controls a readiness lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical system,
the air bag readiness light, the air bag power, and the air bag
inflators.
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996

24
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The air bag system uses a readiness light on the instrument
cluster and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Maintenance of the air bag system is not required.
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A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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or it will not light immediately after ignition is turned on,
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or a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
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If any of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced
at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the air bag supplemental restraint system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.
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RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles
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For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bagsMUSTbe
disposed of by qualified personnel.
File:cdsro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996

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.
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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.
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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.
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Removing the Key From the Ignition
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Procedures for removing your key from the ignition vary,
depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual
transaxle.
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If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle:
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Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
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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.
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If your vehicle has a manual transaxle:
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Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First).
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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
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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.
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Starting Your Engine
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To start your engine:
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Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
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Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to the ON position.
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DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
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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.
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If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:36 1996

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[ST09498(ALL)01/95]4.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
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Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ST12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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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.
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[ST12100(ALL)03/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
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[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.
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Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.
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Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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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.
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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