1997 FORD CONTOUR ECU

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
167
*
[ER08600(ALL)03/96]6.
Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown in the following illustration. As soon as possible, have
your dealer or a qualified service technician check the lug
nuts for proper torque specifications.
[ER08700(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000498-D
The lug nuts on the wheel
*
[ER08800(ALL)03/96]7.
Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the trunk.
*
[ER08900(ALL)03/96]8.
Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make sure the jack is
securely fastened so it does not rattle when you drive.
*
[ER09000(ALL)03/96]9.
Unblock the wheels.
[ER09100(ALL)12/95]
Removing and Replacing Styled Polycast Wheel
Ornaments
[ER09200(ALL)12/95]
To remove a wheel ornament, insert the tapered end of the jack
handle between the ornament and wheel and pry the ornament
from the wheel.
[ER09300(ALL)12/95]
To install the polycast wheel center ornament, you should insert
one side of the ornament into the center of the wheel opening
and strike the opposite side with the palm of your hand until
the ornament is seated in the opening.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

177
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00200(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[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.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
179
*
[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.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

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.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

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)
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
195
[MC12700(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001260-A
The power steering fluid reservoir
[MC12800(ALL)04/96]
Use only MERCONHpower steering fluid that meets Ford's
Specification or an equivalent.
%*
[MC12900(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC13000(ALL)02/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is not working
properly Ð for instance, the transaxle may slip or shift slowly,
or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level
should be checked.
%*
[MC13100(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC13200(ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied,
start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of
the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

208
%*
[MC22000(ALL)01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[MC22200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[MC22300(ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[MC22400(ALL)01/96]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[MC22500(ALL)12/95]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[MC22600(ALL)01/96]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[MC22700(ALL)01/96]
n
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held
down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC22800(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is
lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear
the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the
chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996