1997 FORD CONTOUR light

100
*
[SS11801(ALL)03/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS11901(ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness
light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS12001(ALL)03/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
*
[SS12101(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS12201(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
%*
[SS12301(ALL)12/95]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS12401(ALL)03/96]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system
may not function properly in the event of a collision.
*
[SS12501(ALL)03/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles
*
[SS12601(ALL)03/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
%*
[SS13400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Restraints for Children
*
[SS13500(ALL)01/96]
In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety
restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle Ð
this generally includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less Ð you must
put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these
children. Check your local and state laws for specific
requirements.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

117
Starting
%*
[TO00200(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO00300(ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing
to remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your
Enginein this chapter for details about when to use the
accelerator while you start your vehicle.
*
[TO00400(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO00500(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO00600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO00700(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO00800(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure all occupants in the vehicle buckle their safety
belts. SeeSafety Restraintsin the Index for more details.
*
[TO00900(ALL)12/95]2.
Make sure your headlamps and other accessories are turned
off and the parking brake is set.
[TO01000(ALL)12/95]3.
If you have a manual transaxle,make sure that the parking
brake is fully set, push the clutch pedal to the floor, and put
the gearshift into Neutral before you turn the key.
(Remember, the starter will operate only if the clutch pedal
is pushed all the way to the floor.)
[TO02000(ALL)12/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle,make sure that the
gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you turn the key.
*
[TO02100(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theInstrumentationchapter.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

118
%*
[TO02200(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO02300(ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO02400(ALL)01/96]1.
Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
*
[TO02500(ALL)01/96]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to the ON position.
*
[TO02600(ALL)01/96]3.
DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
*
[TO02700(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the
engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position
after the engine has started.
*
[TO02800(ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
%*
[TO02900(ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
[TO03000(ALL)12/95]
2.0L engine:
[TO03100(ALL)12/95]
n
At temperaturesbelow-10ÊF (-23ÊC):Turn the key to ON,
crank the engine and depress the accelerator about 1/4 of
the way down and hold that position forfive (5) seconds.If
the engine fails to start, continue to crank with the
accelerator depressed about 1/4 of the way down and hold
that position until the engine starts.DO NOT crank for
more than 30 seconds,or you could damage the starter. If
the engine fails to start on the first try, turn the key to OFF
and wait two (2) minutes before trying again. Allow engine
to warm up for a few minutes before putting transaxle into
gear.
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

Starting
119
[TO03200(ALL)12/95]
n
At temperaturesbetween-10ÊF (-23ÊC) and 10ÊF(-12ÊC):
Turn the key to ON, and crank the engine forfive (5)
seconds.If the engine fails to start, continue to crank and
depress the accelerator about 1/4 of the way down and hold
that position until the engine starts.DO NOT crank for
more than 30 seconds,or you could damage the starter. If
the engine fails to start on the first try, turn the key to OFF
and wait two (2) minutes before trying again.
[TO03300(ALL)12/95]
n
At temperaturesbetween10ÊF (-12ÊC) and 32ÊF (0ÊC):If the
engine does not start infifteen (15) secondson first try, turn
the key to OFF, then try again.
[TO03400(ALL)12/95]
n
At temperaturesabove32ÊF (0ÊC):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
then try again.
[TO03500(ALL)12/95]
If you have the 4-cylinder 2.0L engine and are not using an
engine block heater, warm up the engine for a minute or two
before putting the transaxle in gear. Depressing the accelerator
slightly will also help with cold starts.
[TO03600(ALL)12/95]
2.5L engine:
*
[TO03700(ALL)01/96]
n
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
[TO03800(ALL)12/95]
n
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, wait approximately
ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try
again.
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

Starting
121
%*
[TO05000(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[TO05100(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
*
[TO05200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very
high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
*
[TO05300(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.
*
[TO05400(ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures,
use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

126
*
[GF01400(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal; you
will wear out the linings and increase your vehicle's stopping
distance. Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01500(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF01600(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[GF01700(ALL)01/96]
Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped)
*
[GF01800(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may come with the optional anti-lock brake
system. Whenever your wheels start to lock (which could result
in a skid) the anti-lock brake system prevents the lock-up by
automatically releasing and re-applying the brakes. The brake
pedal will pulsate as a result of the automatic releasing and
re-applying of the brakes. In spite of this improvement in
braking performance, you should continue to be cautious in all
hazardous driving situations, especially when driving on
hazardous road surfaces. Even with your anti-lock brake system,
you may not have total control of your vehicle when braking on
roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, holes in the
pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
*
[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is driven over
uneven road surfaces, the ABS may cycle and the driver may
sense a pulsation in the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight
up and down movement of the pedal height and a clicking
sound. This may also happen when driving on an inclined
surface such as a driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
127
[GF02000(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[GF02100(ALL)12/95]
The Anti-lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (12 mph
[20 km/h] for vehicles equipped with the traction control
system). The system turns on the ABS pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical noise may
be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the self-check feature.
If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light
will come on.
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

128
%*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF02400(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
*
[GF02500(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To
set the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal while
pulling the parking brake handle fully and firmly upward.
*
[GF02600(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal,
pull the handle upward and push the button. Then lower the
handle to the released position while holding the button in.
*
[GF02700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking
brake while outside the vehicle.
*
[GF02900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
*
[GF03000(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996