Page 177 of 279
180
%*
[MC03100(ALL)02/96
]
Opening the Hood
%*
[MC03200(ALL)02/96
]1.
Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located
under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel.
[MC03300(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000375-K
The hood release under the instrument panel
%*
[MC03400(ALL)02/96
]2.
Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch
that is located under the hood at the center of the vehicle.
[MC03500(O )12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001476-A
The auxiliary latch under the front edge of the hood
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Maintenance and Care
181
[MC03700(ALL)12/95]3.
Lift the hood and secure it in the open position with the
prop rod. Make sure only the hole in the hood marked in
yellow is used.
[MC03800(ALL)12/95]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop rod is in its
retainer and that the hood latches securely.
*
[MC03900(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-month
intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-free
operation.
*
[MC04000(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Read and understandPrecautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter before
opening the hood.
%*
[MC04100(ALL)03/96]
Engine Compartment
[MC04200(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle has a 4-cylinder 2.0L EFI or 6-cylinder 2.5L EFI
engine.
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182
[MC04300(ALL)12/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001162-D
The 2.0L EFI engine
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Maintenance and Care
183
[MC04400(ALL)12/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0001163-D
The 2.5L EFI engine
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 184
%*
[MC04500(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American P FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 184
%*
[MC04500(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American P](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-180.png)
184
%*
[MC04500(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
*
[MC04700(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC04800(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC04900(ALL)01/96]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC05000(ALL)02/96]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC05100(ALL)01/96
]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
%*
[MC05200(ALL)03/96
]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC05300(ALL)03/96
]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-181.png)
Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC05600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1
(First) (manual transaxle).
*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC06200(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine)
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 186
[MC06300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001245-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine)
[MC06400(ALL)12/95]6.
2.0L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the lower notch, add FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 186
[MC06300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001245-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine)
[MC06400(ALL)12/95]6.
2.0L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the lower notch, add](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-182.png)
186
[MC06300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001245-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine)
[MC06400(ALL)12/95]6.
2.0L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the lower notch, add engine oil as necessary.
If the oil level is beyond the upper notch, engine damage
and/or high oil comsumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
[MC06500(ALL)12/95]
2.5L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the MIN line, add engine oil as necessary. If
the oil level is above the letter M in MAX, engine damage
and/or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
*
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[MC06700(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
[MC06900(O )04/96]
Nearly all engines will consume engine oil. As a result, it may
be necessary to add some oil between oil changes.
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Maintenance and Care
187
%*
[MC07000(ALL)01/96
]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[MC07100(ALL)04/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
[MC07200(ALL)12/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
[MC07300(ALL)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
%*
[MC07400(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.
*
[MC07500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC07600(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996