1997 FORD CONTOUR lights

80
[CF28100(ALL)05/96]
When you use the remote entry UNLOCK, TRUNK or PANIC
controls, the illuminated entry system turns on the interior
lights for 12 seconds. You can turn these lights off by turning
the ignition to the ON position. The interior lights will not turn
off if you have turned them on manually or if a door is open.
[CF28200(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: The illuminated entry system will only work when
the dome light switch is in the ª12º position.
*
[CF28300(ALL)04/96]
Locking the doors
*
[CF28400(ALL)04/96]
To lock all the doors, press the LOCK control.
*
[CF28500(ALL)04/96]
If you would like a signal that the doors are being locked, press
the LOCK control again within five seconds. The doors will lock
again and the horn will beep.
%*
[CF28600(ALL)03/96]
Activating the remote personal alarm
[CF28700(ALL)05/96]
If you wish to activate the remote personal alarm, press the
PANIC control. This will honk the horn and flash the low beam
headlamps and tail lamps for approximately two minutes
forty-five seconds. You can turn it off by pressing the PANIC
control again on the same transmitter or by turning the ignition
key to the ON position.
%*
[CF28800(ALL)03/96]
Replacing the Batteries
*
[CF28900(ALL)01/96]
The remote entry transmitter is powered by two coin type
three-volt lithium 2016 batteries (included) that should last for
several years of normal use. If you notice a significant decrease
in operating range, the batteries should be replaced.
Replacement batteries can be purchased at most pharmacies,
watch stores or at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
File:05cdcfo.ex
Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996

117
Starting
%*
[TO00200(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO00300(ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing
to remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your
Enginein this chapter for details about when to use the
accelerator while you start your vehicle.
*
[TO00400(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO00500(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO00600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO00700(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO00800(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure all occupants in the vehicle buckle their safety
belts. SeeSafety Restraintsin the Index for more details.
*
[TO00900(ALL)12/95]2.
Make sure your headlamps and other accessories are turned
off and the parking brake is set.
[TO01000(ALL)12/95]3.
If you have a manual transaxle,make sure that the parking
brake is fully set, push the clutch pedal to the floor, and put
the gearshift into Neutral before you turn the key.
(Remember, the starter will operate only if the clutch pedal
is pushed all the way to the floor.)
[TO02000(ALL)12/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle,make sure that the
gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you turn the key.
*
[TO02100(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theInstrumentationchapter.
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

144
*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF16300(ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF16400(ALL)12/95]
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.
*
[GF16500(ALL)12/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause
damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
%*
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF16800(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF16900(ALL)12/95]
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.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Roadside Emergencies
169
*
[ER10200(ALL)12/95]
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER10300(ALL)12/95]
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.
%*
[ER10400(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[ER10500(ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any
electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[ER10600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER10700(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER10800(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER10900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

216
*
[MC29700(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
*
[MC29800(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
*
[MC29900(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
*
[MC30000(ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC30100(ALL)12/95]
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.
*
[MC30200(ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC30300(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC30400(ALL)12/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[MC30500(ALL)12/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC30600(ALL)12/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC30700(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%*
[MC30800(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[MC31000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
219
%*
[MC32300(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC32400(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC32500(ALL)05/96]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[MC32601(ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below:
*
[MC32701(ALL)05/96]
n
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and go, city type
traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC32801(ALL)05/96]
n
At least ten minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC32901(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during these driving modes.
%*
[MC34300(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC34400(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC34500(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC34600(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC34700(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
*
[MC34800(ALL)01/96]
n
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC34900(ALL)01/96]
n
hazard flasher
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

280
Gearshift
automatic operation................. 130
column-mounted.................. 130
floor-mounted................... 136
locking the gearshift.................. 56
positions....................130, 136
shifting the gears................130, 136
shift-lock...................... 131
Gearshift:
shifting the gears................130, 136
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).......... 139
calculating..................... 140
definition...................... 139
driving with a heavy load.............. 139
location...................... 139
H
Hazard flashers................... 62,149
Headlamps
bulb specification.................. 223
checking alignment................. 220
cleaning...................... 226
daytime running lights................ 53
replacing bulbs.................219±220
turning on and off.................. 52
warning chime.................... 16
Head restraints..................... 83
High beams
indicator light.................... 15
operation....................... 60
High-mount brakelamp................ 222
description..................... 222
replacing the bulb.................. 222
Hitch......................... 143
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

282
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart......... 223
checking...................... 219
daytime running light system............. 53
dome lamps..................... 54
fog lamps...................... 53
hazard flashers.................. 62,149
headlamps...................... 52
high-mount brakelamp............... 222
instrument panel, dimming.............. 54
interior lamps.................. 52,54
replacing bulbs................... 219
trailer....................... 144
Lap belts........................ 93
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 16
anti-lock brakes (ABS)................. 21
brake........................ 13
charging system................... 14
check engine..................... 18
engine oil pressure.................. 14
high beam...................... 15
low coolant...................... 22
Overdrive off indicator (automatic transaxle only).... ??
safety belt...................... 12
turn signal indicator.................. 19
Load limits...................... 139
GAWR....................... 139
GVWR....................... 139
trailer towing.................... 141
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996