1997 FORD CONTOUR wheel

208
%*
[MC22000(ALL)01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[MC22200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[MC22300(ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[MC22400(ALL)01/96]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[MC22500(ALL)12/95]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[MC22600(ALL)01/96]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[MC22700(ALL)01/96]
n
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held
down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC22800(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is
lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear
the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the
chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
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

232
%*
[CS00900(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS01000(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS01100(ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS01200(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS01300(ALL)01/96]
n
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS01400(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS01500(ALL)01/96]
n
If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
*
[CS01600(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS01700(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or
mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing and
underside of front fenders.
*
[CS01800(ALL)01/96]
n
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
*
[CS01900(ALL)01/96]
n
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
*
[CS02000(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when
the vehicle is washed.
*
[CS02100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[CS02200(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS02300(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

274
Child safety seats (continued)
in rear outboard seat................ 102
in rear seat..................... 102
tether anchorage hardware.............. 114
Chime
headlamps on.................... 16
key in ignition.................... 58
safety belt...................... 12
Circuit breakers, checking and replacing......... 160
Cleaning your vehicle................. 224
CD player and discs.................. 33
chrome and aluminum parts............. 225
engine compartment................. 227
exterior...................... 224
exterior lamps................... 226
fabric....................... 226
headlamps..................... 226
instrument panel................. 7,225
interior....................... 226
mirrors........................ 75
plastic parts.................... 225
polishing...................... 224
rear windows..................... 52
rustproofing.................... 225
safety belts..................... 225
tail lamps..................... 226
upholstery and interior trim............. 226
washing...................... 224
waxing....................... 224
wheels....................... 227
Climate control system.................. 47
Clock.......................... 55
Clutch........................ 136
fluid reservoir................... 188
operation while driving............... 136
shifting the gears.................. 136
specifications.................... 231
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 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

290
W
Warm engine, starting................. 120
Warning chimes
headlamps on.................... 16
key in ignition.................... 58
safety belt...................... 12
Warning lights (see Lights)................ 9
Warranties....................... 3
basic......................... 3
Canada....................... 3
radio......................... 45
Warranty Information Booklet.............. 3
Washer fluid...................... 60
reservoir...................... 189
windshield..................... 189
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)............. 139
Wheel dollies (see Towing)............... 174
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts.................. 168
cleaning...................... 227
covers....................... 164
inspection and maintenance............. 205
lug nuts...................... 163
Windows........................ 73
manual windows, operating.............. 73
power windows, operating............... 73
Windshield, washing................... 60
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996