1997 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

Roadside Emergencies
171
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[ER11800(ALL)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
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[ER11900(ALL)02/96]1.
Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use
the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper
cables have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and the black for
the negative ones.
*
[ER12000(ALL)02/96]2.
Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster battery.
*
[ER12100(ALL)02/96]3.
Connect one end of the second cable to the negative (s)
terminal of the booster battery Ð NOT to the discharged
battery.
*
[ER12200(ALL)01/96]4.
Connect the other end of the second cable to a good metallic
surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle.
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[ER12300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the
negative (s) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A
spark may cause an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
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172
[ER12400(ALL)12/95]
27-1/2 pica art:0001006-E
Sequence for connecting jumper cables
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Roadside Emergencies
173
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[ER12500(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
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[ER12600(ALL)02/96]1.
Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the
engine at a moderate speed.
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[ER12700(ALL)02/96]2.
Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then
start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before
the vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start after several
attempts, there may be a different problem.
*
[ER12800(ALL)02/96]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the discharged battery.
%*
[ER12900(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
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[ER13000(ALL)02/96]1.
Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER13100(ALL)03/96]2.
Remove the negative (s) cable from the booster battery.
*
[ER13200(ALL)02/96]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
*
[ER13300(ALL)02/96]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
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[ER13400(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while
with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery
recharge. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive
modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery charger
to fully recharge the battery.
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[ER13500(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin the
Maintenance and Carechapter.
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174
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Towing Your Vehicle
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[ER13700(ALL)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[ER13800(ALL)12/95]
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Roadside Emergencies
175
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[ER13900(ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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[ER14000(ALL)12/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
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[ER14100(ALL)12/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[ER14200(ALL)12/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
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[ER14300(ALL)01/96]
n
Release the parking brake.
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[ER14400(ALL)12/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[ER14500(ALL)12/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
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[ER14600(ALL)12/95]
n
Unlock the steering wheel.
[ER14700(ALL)12/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 35 mph
(55 km/h) or for a distance greater than 50 miles (80 km)
unless the drive wheels are placed on dollies.
[ER14800(ALL)12/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) if you have a manual transaxle. Your maximum
towing distance is unlimited.
*
[ER14900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when
you tow your vehicle. This could damage the bumper
and cause an accident.
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177
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00200(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[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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178
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[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
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[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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Maintenance and Care
179
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[MC02200(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02300(ALL)12/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1
(First) gear (manual transaxle).
*
[MC02400(ALL)01/96]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
*
[MC02500(ALL)01/96]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02600(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC02700(ALL)01/96]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or Neutral
(manual transaxle).
*
[MC02800(ALL)01/96]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
*
[MC03000(ALL)12/95]
If the battery is disconnected, the computer must relearn its idle
control. SeeBatteryin the Index.
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