1997 FORD CONTOUR service

Driving
129
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Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your
engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes
to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
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[GF03200(ALL)02/96]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[GF03300(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[GF03400(ALL)12/95]
Working with the anti-lock brake system, the traction control
system monitors the speed of the wheels as they roll over the
road surface. When a wheel starts to spin because of slippery
conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by
closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the
traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning
wheel.
[GF03500(ALL)12/95]
When the traction control system becomes active, the driver
may notice a very slight kick and then a hard resistance in the
accelerator pedal, and a mechanical noise. The traction control
system light on the instrument panel comes on or flashes on
and off during activation.
[GF03600(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system can be turned off manually by
pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will
remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off.
[GF03700(ALL)12/95]
Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will
automatically be on. When the ignition is turned to the ON
position, the traction control system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds.
[GF03800(ALL)12/95]
If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON position or if it does not come on when the T/C OFF
button is pressed, have the system serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of the traction control feature. You do not need to have
the vehicle towed in.
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142
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[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
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[GF14300(ALL)12/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the
tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of
the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
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[GF14400(ALL)12/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
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[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
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[GF14600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
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[GF14700(ALL)12/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
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[GF14800(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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[GF15000(ALL)12/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The
bumper is not designed to bear the load.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
145
[GF17000(ALL)12/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the automatic transaxle to 1
(First) when descending. This will give more engine braking on
downgrades. The automatic transaxle will automatically
downshift to the proper gear on upgrades.
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[GF17100(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
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[GF17200(ALL)12/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[GF17300(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
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[GF17400(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
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[GF17500(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[GF17600(ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you
become accustomed to its various features and driving
characteristics.
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[GF17700(ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
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[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
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[GF17900(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
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[GF18000(ALL)12/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel drive may provide
better acceleration than rear-wheel drive. However, this does not
mean that your vehicle can stop any faster or any better than a
vehicle with rear-wheel drive. Exercise the same caution while
driving on slippery roads with your front-wheel drive vehicle as
you would with a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
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150
[ER00700(ALL)04/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000530-D
The left-hand trim panel in the driver's footwell
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[ER00800(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
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[ER00900(ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
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[ER01000(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ER01100(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ER01200(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
167
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[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
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[ER08800(ALL)03/96]7.
Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the trunk.
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[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.
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[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.
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170
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[ER11000(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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[ER11100(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
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[ER11200(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
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[ER11300(ALL)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
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[ER11400(ALL)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
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[ER11500(ALL)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
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[ER11600(ALL)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
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[ER11700(ALL)03/96]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Press the DEFROST
button. Turn off all other switches and gauges.
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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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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.
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[MC00400(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[MC00500(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[MC00700(ALL)03/96]
n
When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
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[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.
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[MC00900(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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