1997 FORD CONTOUR instrument panel

134pressed, the transaxle control indicator light will illuminate
(O/D OFF) on the instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transaxle will upshift and downshift from first
through third gears and provide coast braking in second and
third gears.
[GF06900(ALL)12/95]
To return the transaxle to normal operation (first through fourth
gears) depress the TCS again. This switch may be used to cancel
overdrive any time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will automatically be in
the normal overdrive mode and the light will not be
illuminated.
[GF07000(ALL)12/95]
When to use D (Overdrive Ð without Transaxle Control
Switch Activated)
*
[GF07100(ALL)12/95]
D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic
overdrive transaxle. It automatically upshifts or downshifts as
the vehicle speeds or slows.
*
[GF07200(ALL)12/95]
However, D (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth gear Ð an
overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle cruises at a consistent
speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your
fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[GF07300(ALL)12/95]
When to use D (Drive Ð with Transaxle Control Switch
activated)
[GF07400(ALL)12/95]
D (Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain terrain. If the
transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears
while you are driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills, depress the TCS. D (Drive)
also gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle on
downgrades than D (Overdrive).
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

156
%*
[ER03000(ALL)12/95]
The Instrument Panel Fuses, Circuit Breakers and
Relays
[ER03100(ALL)12/95]
The instrument panel fuse panel is underneath the instrument
panel on the left side. To open it, reach under the instrument
panel and push the release button to the right of the fuse panel.
[ER03150(O )12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000377-B
The instrument panel fuse panel location
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
157
[ER03300(ALL)12/95]
24 pica art:0000381-C
The instrument panel fuses
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
159
[ER03500(ALL)12/95]
Relays Outside the Fuse Boxes
[ER03600(ALL)12/95]
sixteen pica
chart:0001229-A%*
[ER03700(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Replacing Fuses
[ER03800(ALL)12/95]1.
Use the charts to decide which fuse you should check.
[ER03900(ALL)12/95]2.
On the fuse panel decal located on the cover of the power
distribution box or on the end of the instrument panel fuse
panel, find the number of the fuse you want to check.
[ER04000(ALL)12/95]3.
Find the corresponding fuse and remove it with the fuse
pulling tool that is provided.
[ER04100(ALL)12/95]4.
Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look through the clear
side of the fuse to see if the metal wire inside is separated. If
it is, the fuse should be replaced.
[ER04200(ALL)12/95]5.
Replace the fuse with one that has the right amperage rating.
See the following chart.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

160
[ER04300(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001319-A
The side view of a typical fuse
[ER04400(ALL)12/95]
eight pica
chart:0001255-B*
[ER04500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
%*
[ER04600(ALL)01/96]
Circuit Breakers
[ER04700(ALL)12/95]
If you need to check a circuit breaker that is on the instrument
panel fuse panel, seeChecking and replacing fusesto find out how
to locate the fuse panel and pull it down.
*
[ER04800(ALL)01/96]
Diagnostic equipment is needed to check circuit breakers. Refer
to the manufacturer's instructions.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

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

Maintenance and Care
225
%*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do
not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with
a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for
routine cleaning.
*
[MC39200(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC39300(ALL)01/96
]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed
rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is
not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC39400(ALL)02/96
]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC39500(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach
or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.
*
[MC39600(ALL)12/95]
Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone trim with a soft
cloth and a glass cleaner. Do not use paper towel or any
abrasive cleaner to clean either the lens or the woodtone trim as
these may cause scratches.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

264
[QI01400(O )05/95]
33-1/2 pica art:0001159-E
Instrument Panel
File:16cdqio.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:10:34 1996