1997 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

7
Instrumentation
%*
[IS00200(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[IS00300(ALL)01/96]
The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and
radio are on the instrument panel.
%*
[IS00400(ALL)03/96]
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:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

8
[IS00500(O )02/96]
33-1/2 pica
art:0000289-H
Instrument panel
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Instrumentation
9
%*
[IS00700(O )01/96]
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:
*
[IS00800(O )12/95]
n
Standard Cluster
*
[IS00900(O )12/95]
n
Sport Cluster
*
[IS01000(O )01/96]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

10
[IS01300(O )02/96]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001262-D
The standard cluster
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Instrumentation
11
[IS01400(ALL)03/96]
33-1/2 pica art:0000012-I
The sport cluster
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

12
*
[IS01500(O )12/95]
Standard Cluster
*
[IS01600(O )12/95]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the standard
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. The following sections
detail what each of these indicators means.
%*
[IS01900(ALL)04/96]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
%*
[IS02000(ALL)03/96]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
*
[IS02100(ALL)03/96]
This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety
belt. The following conditions will take place:
*
[IS02200(ALL)03/96]
n
If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when the ignition is
turned to the ON position, the light will turn on for 1 to 2
minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
*
[IS02300(ALL)03/96]
n
If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the light is on or
the chime is sounding, both the light and the chime will turn
off.
*
[IS02400(ALL)03/96]
n
If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition is
turned to the ON position, neither the light nor the chime
will turn on.
[IS02500(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000291-CFile:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Instrumentation
13
%*
[IS02600(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
[IS02800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000971-D*
[IS02900(ALL)12/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not
set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the
START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine
starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake, have the
hydraulic brake system serviced by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
*
[IS03000(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

14
%*
[IS03100(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[IS03300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000293-C*
[IS03400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the ignition to the
ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off
when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS03600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
*
[IS03700(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your
key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off
when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
[IS03800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000294-BFile:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996