Page 216 of 279
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
219
%*
[MC32300(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC32400(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
219
%*
[MC32300(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC32400(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-215.png)
Maintenance and Care
219
%*
[MC32300(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC32400(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC32500(ALL)05/96]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[MC32601(ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below:
*
[MC32701(ALL)05/96]
n
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and go, city type
traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC32801(ALL)05/96]
n
At least ten minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC32901(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during these driving modes.
%*
[MC34300(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC34400(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC34500(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC34600(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC34700(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
*
[MC34800(ALL)01/96]
n
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC34900(ALL)01/96]
n
hazard flasher
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996
Page 219 of 279
222
%*
[MC37000(ALL)01/96
]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[MC37100(ALL)12/95]
From the back seat, remove the back of the brakelamp
assembly. Depress the two retaining tabs on the ends of the
assembly and pull off the back.
[MC37200(ALL)12/95]
Turn the burned-out bulb counterclockwise and pull it out. Push
in the replacement bulb and turn it clockwise to lock it in the
socket. Replace the back of the brakelamp assembly, making
sure that the retaining tabs snap into place.
[MC37300(ALL)12/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0000624-B
The high-mount brakelamp assembly
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-228.png)
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
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234
%*
[CS03400(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS03500(ALL)01/96]
n
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS03600(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
*
[CS03700(ALL)12/95]
n
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without
recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for
quick starting.
%*
[CS03800(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS03900(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
%*
[CS04000(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS04100(ALL)01/96]
n
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[CS04200(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS04300(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS04400(ALL)01/96]
n
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15 days to
lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996
Page 258 of 279

Index
271
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system)...... 21
Accessory position on the ignition............. 56
Additives, engine oil.................. 184
Air bag supplemental restraint system........... 96
and child safety seats................ 102
description.................... 96,98
driver air bag................... 96,98
indicator light..................... 16
operation....................... 98
passenger air bag................... 98
service and information labels............. 98
tone generator................... 100
Air cleaner filter
location...................... 181
specifications.................... 229
Alarm, activating remote personal............. 81
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system)........ 44
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)............. 191
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description..................... 126
see also Brakes................... 125
warning light..................... 21
Anti-theft lug nuts and key............... 168
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)......... 240
Assistance (see Customer assistance)........... 237
Audio system (see Electronic sound system)........ 23
Automatic transaxle
driving with.................... 130
fluid, adding.................... 197
fluid, checking................... 195
fluid, refill capacities................ 230
fluid, specification.................. 231
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272
B
Backing up...................... 137
Basic vehicle warranty.................. 3
Battery........................ 198
acid, treating emergencies............169, 199
charging system warning light............. 14
disconnecting.................... 173
how to service................... 198
jumping a disabled battery.............. 169
maintenance-free.................. 198
proper disposal, recycling.............. 199
replacement, specifications.............. 229
servicing...................... 198
when storing your vehicle.............. 234
Brake fluid...................... 188
brake warning light.................. 13
checking and adding................ 188
description..................... 188
specifications.................... 231
Brakelamp...................... 222
bulb replacement.................. 222
high-mount brakelamp............... 222
Brakes........................ 125
adjustment..................... 125
anti-lock...................... 126
anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light....... 21
applying the brakes................. 125
brake warning light.................. 13
fluid, checking and adding.............. 188
fluid, refill capacities..............188, 230
fluid, specifications................. 231
front disc...................... 125
if brakes do not grip well.............. 125
master cylinder................... 188
new brake linings................... 5
noise......................125±126
parking...................... 128
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273
Index
Brakes (continued)
power braking................... 125
servicing...................... 188
stopping distances.................. 145
trailer....................... 143
when storing your vehicle.............. 234
Brake-shift interlock.................. 131
Break-in period..................... 5
Brights (high beams)................... 15
Bulbs, replacing.................... 219
halogen...................... 220
headlamps..................... 220
high-mount brakelamp................ 222
specifications.................... 223
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 244
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 245
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 230
Carbon monoxide in exhaust.............. 123
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)...... 102
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system) . . . 38, 42
Catalytic converter................... 216
Chains, tires...................... 208
Changing a tire.................... 161
Charging system warning light.............. 14
Childproof locks..................... 71
Child safety restraints................. 100
child safety belts.................. 114
child safety seats.................. 102
Child safety seats................... 102
and air bags.................... 102
attaching with tether straps............. 113
automatic locking mode (retractor).........91,102
in front seat..................102, 104
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Page 263 of 279

276
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 160
fuses......................151, 159
relays....................... 151
Electronic radio with cassette (see Electronic
sound system).................. 38
Electronic sound system
antenna....................... 44
tuning the radio................. 25,39
warranty and service information............ 45
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system).................. 38
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system).... 38
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 237
battery acid spills................169, 199
fuel........................ 213
jump-starting.................... 169
towing....................... 174
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 128
Emission control system................ 216
catalytic converter.................. 216
emissions warranty................ 3,216
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 18
does not start..................120, 149
fuel injected engine, starting...........117±118
fuel pump shut-off switch.............. 149
preparing to start.................. 117
refill capacities................... 230
service points.................... 181
starting...................... 118
starting after a collision............... 149
storing your vehicle................. 233
Engine block heater.................. 122
Engine coolant.................... 191
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996