1996 FORD CONTOUR washer fluid

Steering Column Controls
85
*
[SC04950(ALL)05/95]
Windshield Washer
[SC05000(ALL)01/95]
When the lever is pulled to activate the windshield washer, the
wipers operate for about three cycles after the spray stops.
[SC05110(ALL)05/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001194-D
Washing the windshield
*
[SC05310(ALL)01/95]
Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid
container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more
than 15 seconds continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.
*
[SC05350(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
In freezing weather, the washer solution may freeze on
the windshield and obscure your vision. Always warm
up the windshield with the defroster before you use the
washer fluid. If you cannot see through the windshield
clearly, it can increase the risk of being involved in a
collision.
*
[SC05500(ALL)04/95]
For information about refilling the washer fluid or replacing
your windshield wiper blades, seeWindshield washer fluid and
Wipersin the Index.
File:cdsco.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:03 1996

202
*
[SV05575(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05600(ALL)04/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[SV05625(ALL)05/95]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV05650(ALL)04/95]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[SV05675(ALL)06/95]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[SV05700(ALL)04/95]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
*
[SV06100(ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06125(ALL)03/95]
Fuel Filler Door Release (If equipped)
[SV06200(ALL)04/94]
On some models, the fuel filler door cannot be opened from
outside the vehicle. To unlatch the fuel filler door, find the front
end of the release handle on the floor to the left of the driver's
seat. Push the handle down firmly until it stops and the door
pops open.
[SV06275(ALL)05/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0000601-F
The fuel filler door release
[SV06300(ALL)01/95]
If the fuel filler door does not open when you push the release
handle, open the trunk and find the override release on the
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
209
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[SV13530(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
*
[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)05/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
*
[SV13650(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine
coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate
the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under
Engine Type, in this chapter.
*
[SV17850(ALL)01/95]
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at
least once a month using the following guidelines.
[SV17900(ALL)01/95]
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the
engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the
MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be
at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in
either condition, coolant may need to be added.
*
[SV18000(ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from
internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the
water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
*
[SV18100(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
[SV18500(ALL)01/95]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you
remove the coolant recovery cap.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
219
[SV20660(ALL)06/95]
Disconnecting the Battery
[SV20675(ALL)02/95]
Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all
the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for
one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to
idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive).
Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if
equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning
process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle.
*
[SV20700(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
*
[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers
*
[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
*
[SV22100(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment. Visual inspection
can determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate
the washer when the reservoir is empty.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

220
[SV22200(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001222-A
The windshield washer fluid reservoir
*
[SV22300(ALL)03/95]
Adding washer fluid
*
[SV22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
[SV22450(ALL)05/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
%*
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol
should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below32ÊF
[0ÊC]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze,
methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

290
U
Used engine oil, disposal................ 212
V
Variable interval wipers................. 84
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) decal.... 249
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)........181, 186
Vehicle loading
automatic transaxles................. 156
calculating the load................. 156
manual transaxles.................. 156
Vehicle storage.................... 255
Ventilating your vehicle (see Climate control)....... 71
Viscosity (see Engine oil)................ 209
Visor (see Sun visor).................. 109
W
Warm engine, starting.................. 47
Warning chimes
headlamps on.................... 60
key in ignition.................... 43
safety belt...................... 56
Warning lights (see Lights)................ 53
Warranties
basic......................... 3
Canada....................... 3
radio........................ 137
Warranty Information Booklet.............. 3
Washer fluid
reservoir...................... 219
windshield..................... 219
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)............. 155
Wheel dollies (see Towing)............... 175
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

291
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts.................. 174
cleaning...................... 229
covers....................... 171
inspection and maintenance............. 223
lug nuts...................... 170
Windows........................ 98
power windows, operating............... 98
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid.............. 219
checking and replacing wiper blades......... 221
operation....................... 84
reservoir...................... 219
specifications.................... 220
variable interval wipers................ 84
Wrecker towing.................... 175
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996