1997 FORD CONTOUR engine

Driving
131
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[GF04800(ALL)12/95]
To operate:
*
[GF04900(ALL)12/95]1.
Start the engine.
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[GF05000(ALL)12/95]2.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[GF05100(ALL)12/95]3.
Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[GF05200(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift Interlock safety
feature. This feature prevents the gearshift from being moved
from the P (Park) position until the brake pedal is depressed.
This feature is active when the ignition is in the ON position. If
the gearshift lever CANNOT be moved from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF05300(ALL)12/95]1.
Turn the engine off and remove the ignition key.
[GF05400(ALL)12/95]2.
With the parking brake applied and the brake pedal
depressed, insert a screwdriver about 2" (5 cm) into the
square opening to the right of the gearshift at the base of the
console.
[GF05500(ALL)12/95]3.
Rotate the screwdriver point rearward.
[GF05600(ALL)12/95]4.
Push and hold the thumb button and move the gearshift.
[GF05700(ALL)12/95]5.
Remove the screwdriver when the gearshift moves from the
P (Park) position.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

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

Driving
135
*
[GF07500(ALL)03/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07600(ALL)12/95]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[GF07700(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07900(ALL)12/95]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[GF08000(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to D
(Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[GF08100(ALL)03/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
*
[GF08300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[GF08400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

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.
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Driving
139
[GF11000(ALL)12/95]
Downshifting
*
[GF11100(ALL)03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
[GF11400(ALL)12/95]
Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with the clutch pedal
depressed at speeds higher than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you do,
it could cause a complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
%*
[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
%*
[GF11700(ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing
or on the door latch post pillar.
*
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

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.)
*
[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.
*
[GF14400(ALL)12/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
*
[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.
*
[GF14600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
*
[GF14700(ALL)12/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
*
[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.
*
[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

144
*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF16300(ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[GF16400(ALL)12/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system wiring directly to
your vehicle's lighting system wiring.To get the proper
equipment for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
*
[GF16500(ALL)12/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause
damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
%*
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF16800(ALL)12/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle and you are towing a
trailer, you should select gear positions which will avoid jerking
or excessive engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in 1
(First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the trailer is too big or
heavily loaded for your vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving
in these two gears while towing a trailer is not recommended.
[GF16900(ALL)12/95]
When you tow up or down steep hills, move the manual
transaxle gearshift to a lower gear. This will increase engine
power on upgrades and engine braking on downgrades.
File:09cdgfo.ex
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.
%*
[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.
*
[GF17200(ALL)12/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[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.
%*
[GF17400(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF17500(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF17900(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[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.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996