1997 FORD CONTOUR fuel

216
*
[MC29700(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
*
[MC29800(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
*
[MC29900(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
*
[MC30000(ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC30100(ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[MC30200(ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC30300(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC30400(ALL)12/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[MC30500(ALL)12/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC30600(ALL)12/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC30700(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%*
[MC30800(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[MC31000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
217
*
[MC31100(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[MC31200(ALL)01/96]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC31300(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC31400(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
*
[MC31500(ALL)02/96]
n
Have the services listed in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emissions system.
*
[MC31600(ALL)01/96]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement
parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or
for the service of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner's
responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

218
*
[MC31700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[MC31800(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC31900(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC32000(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC32100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC32200(ALL)01/96
]
Information about your vehicle's emission control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
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

Maintenance and Care
227
*
[MC40500(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC40600(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC40700(ALL)01/96]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC40800(ALL)04/96]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[MC40900(ALL)04/96]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[MC41000(ALL)01/96]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
%*
[MC41100(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC41200(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[MC41300(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Capacities and Specifications
233
%*
[CS02400(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS02500(ALL)01/96]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[CS02600(ALL)01/96]
n
With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears
while the engine is running.
%*
[CS02700(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS02800(ALL)01/96]
n
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
*
[CS02900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
*
[CS03000(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[CS03100(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[CS03200(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS03300(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect against freezing temperatures.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

237
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance
coverages beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club
in the United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in
Canada), contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Additional Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
File:14cdhso.ex
Update:Fri May 24 08:39:27 1996

246
*
[HS08800(ALL)06/95]
Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you where to get
unleaded fuel. If you cannot get unleaded fuel or can get only
fuel with an anti-knock index that is lower than your vehicle
needs, contact a district or owner relations office before you
leave the U.S. or Canada.
*
[HS08900(ALL)06/95]
Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper conversion
may damage the effectiveness of your emissions control system
and may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford
Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is
caused by use of improper fuel.
*
[HS09000(ALL)06/95]
You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle back into
the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
*
[HS09100(ALL)06/95]
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or
living in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the
Middle East, contact the nearest Ford dealership. If the
dealership cannot help you, write to:
*
[HS09200(ALL)10/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0040273-C
*
[HS09300(ALL)06/95]
If you are in other foreign countries, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, they can direct
you to the appropriate Ford affiliate office.
*
[HS09400(ALL)06/95]
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate
outside of the U.S. or Canada, register your Vehicle
Identification Number and new address with Ford Motor
Company Export Operations.
File:14cdhso.ex
Update:Fri May 24 08:39:27 1996