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Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00195(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The
flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 149
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00195(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The
flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-146.png)
149
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00195(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The
flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully
charged and in good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if
the battery is not fully charged, the battery power can be
drained.
%*
[ER00300(ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
%*
[ER00400(ALL)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[ER00500(ALL)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even
after a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have
been activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
[ER00600(ALL)04/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is located
on the left-hand trim panel in the driver's footwell.
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[ER00700(ALL)04/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000530-D
The left-hand trim panel in the driver's footwell
*
[ER00800(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[ER00900(ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
*
[ER01000(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER01100(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER01200(ALL)01/96]3.
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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151
*
[ER01300(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ER01400(ALL)03/96]5.
Check under the vehicle again for FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
151
*
[ER01300(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ER01400(ALL)03/96]5.
Check under the vehicle again for](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-148.png)
Roadside Emergencies
151
*
[ER01300(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ER01400(ALL)03/96]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.
% [ER01900(ALL)12/95]
Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays
[ER02000(ALL)12/95]
Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have been overloaded
and blown a fuse or relay, or tripped a circuit breaker. Before
you replace or repair any electrical parts, check the appropriate
circuit protector.
[ER02100(ALL)12/95]
The following charts tell you which circuit protector protects
each electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit
breaker opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that use the
circuit will not work.
*
[ER02200(ALL)01/96]
Once you have determined which fuses or circuit breakers to
check, follow the procedures underChecking and replacing fuses
orChecking and replacing circuit breakerslater in this chapter.
*
[ER02300(ALL)12/95]
RWARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition before working
on or replacing fuses.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 177
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 177
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00200(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-173.png)
177
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00200(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[MC00500(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[MC00700(ALL)03/96]
n
When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
*
[MC00800(ALL)02/96]
n
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC00900(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
*
[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
*
[MC01100(ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet be performed
for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your
vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual,
see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
*
[MC01200(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service
parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your assurance that
Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle.
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%*
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]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your communitys
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 178
%*
[MC01300(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your communitys
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-174.png)
178
%*
[MC01300(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
%*
[MC01400(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[MC01500(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96
]
n
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fan may
come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it
cool.
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
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Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American P FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 184
%*
[MC04500(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American P](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-180.png)
184
%*
[MC04500(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
*
[MC04700(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC04800(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC04900(ALL)01/96]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC05000(ALL)02/96]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC05100(ALL)01/96
]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
%*
[MC05200(ALL)03/96
]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC05300(ALL)03/96
]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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185
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]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-181.png)
Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC05600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1
(First) (manual transaxle).
*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC06200(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine)
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Maintenance and Care
189
*
[MC08600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
[MC08700(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000671-B
The brake fluid reservoir
%*
[MC08800(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC08900(ALL)03/96
]
Washer Fluid
*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
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:11cdmco.ex
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