1997 FORD CONTOUR parking brake

Driving
129
*
[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your
engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes
to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
%*
[GF03200(ALL)02/96]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[GF03300(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[GF03400(ALL)12/95]
Working with the anti-lock brake system, the traction control
system monitors the speed of the wheels as they roll over the
road surface. When a wheel starts to spin because of slippery
conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by
closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the
traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning
wheel.
[GF03500(ALL)12/95]
When the traction control system becomes active, the driver
may notice a very slight kick and then a hard resistance in the
accelerator pedal, and a mechanical noise. The traction control
system light on the instrument panel comes on or flashes on
and off during activation.
[GF03600(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system can be turned off manually by
pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will
remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off.
[GF03700(ALL)12/95]
Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will
automatically be on. When the ignition is turned to the ON
position, the traction control system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds.
[GF03800(ALL)12/95]
If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON position or if it does not come on when the T/C OFF
button is pressed, have the system serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of the traction control feature. You do not need to have
the vehicle towed in.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
131
*
[GF04800(ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF04900(ALL)12/95]1.
Start the engine.
*
[GF05000(ALL)12/95]2.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF05100(ALL)12/95]3.
Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[GF05200(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift Interlock safety
feature. This feature prevents the gearshift from being moved
from the P (Park) position until the brake pedal is depressed.
This feature is active when the ignition is in the ON position. If
the gearshift lever CANNOT be moved from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF05300(ALL)12/95]1.
Turn the engine off and remove the ignition key.
[GF05400(ALL)12/95]2.
With the parking brake applied and the brake pedal
depressed, insert a screwdriver about 2" (5 cm) into the
square opening to the right of the gearshift at the base of the
console.
[GF05500(ALL)12/95]3.
Rotate the screwdriver point rearward.
[GF05600(ALL)12/95]4.
Push and hold the thumb button and move the gearshift.
[GF05700(ALL)12/95]5.
Remove the screwdriver when the gearshift moves from the
P (Park) position.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
133
[GF06100(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
%*
[GF06200(ALL)01/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF06300(ALL)01/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will
move backward. You should always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
*
[GF06500(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
%*
[GF06600(ALL)03/96]
Driving
[GF06700(ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The
Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift
handle. The transaxle control indicator light (O/D OFF) is
located on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever
in any of the several positions.
[GF06800(ALL)02/96]
The O/D OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal
vehicle operation. This allows the transaxle to upshift and
downshift from first through fourth gears. When the TCS is
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
135
*
[GF07500(ALL)03/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07600(ALL)12/95]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[GF07700(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07900(ALL)12/95]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[GF08000(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to D
(Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[GF08100(ALL)03/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
*
[GF08300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[GF08400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

136
[GF08500(ALL)12/95]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
%*
[GF08600(ALL)01/96]
Driving with a Manual Transaxle
%*
[GF08700(ALL)01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF08800(ALL)12/95]
In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the
vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set.
[GF08900(ALL)12/95]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds. Then,
hold your right foot on the brake pedal and release the parking
brake. With the clutch pedal depressed to the floor with your
left foot, move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
[GF09000(ALL)12/95]
To move the vehicle, take your right foot off the brake pedal
and then slowly release the clutch pedal. (You may need to
press down slowly on the accelerator at the same time that you
release the clutch pedal.)
*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
[GF09200(ALL)12/95]
Idling the Vehicle
[GF09300(ALL)12/95]
When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running, DO
NOT rest your hand on or apply any pressure to gearshift lever
when the clutch pedal is not depressed. This may result in
erratic engine operation.
%*
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
Shifting the Gears
*
[GF09500(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted on the floor.
The gearshift can be in one of seven possible positions, as
shown.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Roadside Emergencies
161
[ER04900(ALL)12/95]
Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical
parts to work again once the overload on the circuit is gone. If
the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked.
*
[ER05000(ALL)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same
amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the
fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it
straight out of its socket.
%*
[ER05100(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER05200(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER05300(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
%*
[ER05400(ALL)02/96]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER05500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
163
[ER06700(ALL)12/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0000531-B
The temporary spare tire
%*
[ER06800(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[ER06900(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. If you
have an automatic transaxle, put the gearshift in P (Park). If
you have a manual transaxle, put the gearshift in 1 (First).
Set the parking brake and block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER07000(ALL)12/95]
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off
the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Automatic) or 1 (Manual).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change one of
the front tires, put a block behind the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

170
*
[ER11000(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER11100(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
%*
[ER11200(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER11300(ALL)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[ER11400(ALL)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[ER11500(ALL)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER11600(ALL)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[ER11700(ALL)03/96]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Press the DEFROST
button. Turn off all other switches and gauges.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996