1997 FORD CONTOUR service

20
[IS07900(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001097-B
The engine coolant temperature gauge
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[IS08000(ALL)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the
NORMAL band, the engine is overheating and continued
operation may cause engine damage.
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[IS08100(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS08200(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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[IS08300(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn off the engine.
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[IS08400(ALL)01/96]3.
Let the engine cool.
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[IS08500(ALL)03/96]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine, seeEngine
Coolantin the Index. If you do not follow these instructions,
you or others could be injured.
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[IS08600(ALL)01/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced as soon as possible.
%*
[IS08700(ALL)03/96]
Speedometer
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[IS08800(ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per
hour your vehicle is moving.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Instrumentation
21
%*
[IS08900(ALL)03/96]
Odometer
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[IS09000(ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers)
your vehicle has been driven.
%*
[IS09100(ALL)01/96]
Trip Odometer
[IS09200(ALL)12/95]
The trip odometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) your
vehicle has been driven since the last reset. Press the reset
control to return the trip odometer to zero.
[IS09300(O )12/95]
Sport Cluster
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[IS09400(O )12/95]
The sport cluster has basically the same standard warning lights
and gauges as the standard cluster, with the following
additional features:
%*
[IS09500(ALL)03/96]
Tachometer
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[IS09600(ALL)01/96]
The tachometer displays the approximate engine revolutions per
minute (rpm), or how fast the engine is running.
*
[IS09700(ALL)03/96]
If you drive with the tachometer in the red zone, you may
damage the engine.
%*
[IS09800(ALL)01/96]
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light (If equipped)
[IS09900(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[IS10000(ALL)12/95]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (between 12 and
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Electronic Sound Systems
45
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[AS35600(ALL)08/95]2.
Terrain
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[AS35700(ALL)08/95]
The terrain (hilly, mountainous, tall buildings) of the area over
which the signal travels may prevent the FM signal from being
noise-free.
*
[AS36850(ALL)04/95]3.
Rounded off frequencies
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[AS36900(ALL)08/95]
Some FM radio stations advertise a ªrounded-offº frequency
which is not the frequency they actually broadcast on. For
example, a radio station that is assigned a frequency of 98.7
MHz may call itself ªRadio 99º even though 99.0 MHz is not an
allowable FM broadcast frequency.
%*
[AS37000(ALL)08/95]
Important Warranty and Service Information
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[AS37050(ALL)07/90]
n
Warranty
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[AS37100(ALL)08/95]
Your sound system is warranted for three years or 36,000 miles
(60,000 kilometers), whichever comes first. Consult your vehicle
warranty booklet for further information. Ask your dealer for a
copy of this limited warranty.
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[AS37150(ALL)07/90]
n
Service
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[AS37200(ALL)04/96]
At Ford, we stand behind our audio systems with a
comprehensive service and repair program. If anything should
go wrong with your Ford audio system, return to your dealer
for service. There is a nationwide network of qualified Ford
authorized repair centers to assist you.
File:04cdaso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:59:17 1996

Seating and Safety Restraints
97
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[SS09801(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should
always wear their safety belts, failure to do so may
increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a
collision.
*
[SS09901(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The right front passenger air bag is not designed to
restrain occupants in the center front seating position.
*
[SS10001(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the
air bag covers that may come into contact with an
inflating air bag. Failure to follow these instructions may
increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a
collision.
*
[SS10101(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[SS10201(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you are close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously
injure you. Position your seat such that it is as far back
from the steering wheel as possible but still allows you
to properly control the vehicle.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

100
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[SS11801(ALL)03/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
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[SS11901(ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness
light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS12001(ALL)03/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
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[SS12101(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS12201(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
%*
[SS12301(ALL)12/95]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS12401(ALL)03/96]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system
may not function properly in the event of a collision.
*
[SS12501(ALL)03/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles
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[SS12601(ALL)03/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
%*
[SS13400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Restraints for Children
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[SS13500(ALL)01/96]
In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety
restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle Ð
this generally includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less Ð you must
put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these
children. Check your local and state laws for specific
requirements.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

Starting
123
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[TO06000(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO06100(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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[TO06200(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.
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[TO06300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
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[TO06400(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked
whenever:
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[TO06500(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
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[TO06600(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
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[TO06700(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
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[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[TO06900(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
[TO07000(ALL)12/95]
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on medium or high with
the function control knob turned to FLR, PNL/FLR or PANEL.
[TO07100(ALL)12/95]
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on medium or
high with the A/C button pressed. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

126
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[GF01400(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal; you
will wear out the linings and increase your vehicle's stopping
distance. Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01500(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF01600(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[GF01700(ALL)01/96]
Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped)
*
[GF01800(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may come with the optional anti-lock brake
system. Whenever your wheels start to lock (which could result
in a skid) the anti-lock brake system prevents the lock-up by
automatically releasing and re-applying the brakes. The brake
pedal will pulsate as a result of the automatic releasing and
re-applying of the brakes. In spite of this improvement in
braking performance, you should continue to be cautious in all
hazardous driving situations, especially when driving on
hazardous road surfaces. Even with your anti-lock brake system,
you may not have total control of your vehicle when braking on
roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, holes in the
pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
*
[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is driven over
uneven road surfaces, the ABS may cycle and the driver may
sense a pulsation in the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight
up and down movement of the pedal height and a clicking
sound. This may also happen when driving on an inclined
surface such as a driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
127
[GF02000(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[GF02100(ALL)12/95]
The Anti-lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (12 mph
[20 km/h] for vehicles equipped with the traction control
system). The system turns on the ABS pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical noise may
be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the self-check feature.
If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light
will come on.
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996