1997 FORD CONTOUR warning light

54
*
[CF07200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on
your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.
%*
[CF07300(ALL)01/96]
Lighting Up the Interior and Instrument Panel
[CF07400(ALL)12/95]
When either front door is opened, the footwell lights and the
door courtesy lights come on.
[CF07500(ALL)12/95]
The instrument panel lights, window control lights and door
handle lights come on whenever the headlamp switch is turned
from the OFF position. To dim the instrument panel lights, use
the thumbwheel on the instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel.
[CF07600(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001177-B
Dimming the instrument panel lights
% [CF07700(ALL)12/95]
Traction Control System (If equipped)
[CF07800(ALL)02/96]
This button turns the traction control system off and on. See the
Driving Chapterfor more information.
[CF07900(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001179-C
The button for the traction control system
File:05cdcfo.ex
Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996

Controls and Features
57
[CF09900(ALL)12/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's electrical accessories
to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you
can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio without starting the
engine.
*
[CF10000(ALL)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights (except the
brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you
start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the
engine is started and remains in this position while the engine
runs.
*
[CF10100(ALL)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to
ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to
test the brake warning light.
%*
[CF10200(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[CF10300(ALL)04/96]
Procedures for removing your key from the ignition vary,
depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual
transaxle.
[CF10400(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle:
*
[CF10500(ALL)01/96]1.
Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
*
[CF10600(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
[CF10700(ALL)12/95]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[CF10800(ALL)12/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
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Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996

88
*
[SS03700(ALL)02/96]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning
light may come on and a chime may sound. SeeSafety Belt
Warning Light and Chimein theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS03800(ALL)02/96]
See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how
to properly use these safety belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for
Childrenin this chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
*
[SS03900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and
the lap belt snug and low across the hips.
*
[SS04000(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety
belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one
tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the
shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear
the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it
around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use
a single belt for more than one person.
*
[SS04100(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and
attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified
technician after any collision. Safety belt assemblies not
in use during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
*
[SS04200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the seatback in the
fully upright position.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

Seating and Safety Restraints
99 process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium
hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes,
but none of the residue is toxic. The Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System will reduce, but not eliminate all injuries in an
accident.
*
[SS11001(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation.
Do not try to touch them after inflation.
*
[SS11101(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The system is
designed to function on a one-time-only basis. If the air
bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION
AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, this will increase the risk of
injury in a subsequent collision.
*
[SS11201(ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists of:
*
[SS11301(ALL)03/96]
n
driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the
inflators and air bags),
*
[SS11401(ALL)03/96]
n
one or more impact and safing sensors,
*
[SS11501(ALL)00/96]
n
a system diagnostic module,
*
[SS11601(ALL)03/96]
n
a readiness light and tone,
*
[SS11701(ALL)03/96]
n
and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
[SS11751(ALL)04/96]
The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits, the air bag
electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the air bag power
and the air bag inflators.
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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.
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Starting
121
%*
[TO05000(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[TO05100(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
*
[TO05200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO05300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[TO05400(ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures,
use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 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.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

128
%*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02400(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
*
[GF02500(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To
set the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal while
pulling the parking brake handle fully and firmly upward.
*
[GF02600(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal,
pull the handle upward and push the button. Then lower the
handle to the released position while holding the button in.
*
[GF02700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking
brake while outside the vehicle.
*
[GF02900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
*
[GF03000(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996