1997 FORD CONTOUR steering wheel

Roadside Emergencies
161
[ER04900(ALL)12/95]
Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical
parts to work again once the overload on the circuit is gone. If
the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked.
*
[ER05000(ALL)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same
amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the
fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it
straight out of its socket.
%*
[ER05100(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER05200(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER05300(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
%*
[ER05400(ALL)02/96]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER05500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
175
*
[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.
*
[ER14000(ALL)12/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[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:
*
[ER14300(ALL)01/96]
n
Release the parking brake.
*
[ER14400(ALL)12/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[ER14500(ALL)12/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[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.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

287
Index
Spark plugs, specifications............... 229
Special driving conditions............... 145
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 231
Speed control
turning off...................... 64
when towing a trailer................ 144
Speedometer...................... 20
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............ 117
starting a cold engine................ 118
starting after a collision............... 149
starting a warm engine............... 120
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 169
Steering, power.................... 130
Steering wheel
horn......................... 62
locking........................ 56
tilting........................ 63
Storage compartments.................. 55
center console..................... 76
Storing your vehicle.................. 232
Sunroof (moon roof)................... 67
Sun visor........................ 70
Supplemental air bag readiness light........... 16
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........... 96
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

288
T
Tachometer....................... 21
Tail lamps
bulb replacement................219, 223
cleaning...................... 226
Temperature control (see Climate control)......... 47
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints)...... 113
Tilt steering wheel.................... 63
Tires......................... 203
changing...................... 161
checking the pressure................ 203
cleaning...................... 227
inspection and maintenance............. 205
replacing...................... 205
rotating...................... 204
snow tires and chains................ 208
spare tire...................... 162
storing your vehicle................. 234
tire grades..................... 206
treadwear..................... 206
wear bands..................... 205
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).......... 141
Towing your vehicle.................. 174
using wheel dollies................. 174
with a tow truck.................. 174
Traction control.................... 129
Trailer towing..................... 141
calculating maximum trailer weight.......... 141
safety chains.................... 143
tips........................ 144
trailer brakes.................... 143
trailer lamps.................... 144
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996