1997 FORD CONTOUR maintenance

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

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

238
*
[HS00300(ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
*
[HS00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealerships that can service your vehicle for you. This chapter
tells you how to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
%*
[HS00500(ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns (U.S. or Canada)
*
[HS00600(ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your selling dealer
who wants to ensure your continued satisfaction. You may,
however, take your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your dealer will be able
to resolve your concern.
*
[HS00700(ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you received from your
dealership's service department, talk to the service manager at
the dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to the owner
or general manager of the dealership. In most cases, you will
have your concern resolved at this level.
*
[HS01000(ALL)04/95]
If you are away from home when your vehicle needs to be
serviced, or if you need more help than the dealer gave you,
contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center to find an
authorized dealership that may be able to help you.
[HS01125(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0001312-A*
[HS01150(ALL)03/95]
If you live in Canada and have any questions or concerns that
the dealership cannot answer, contact the Customer Assistance
Centre.
File:14cdhso.ex
Update:Fri May 24 08:39:27 1996

242
*
[HS03025(ALL)04/96]
What the Board needs
*
[HS03050(ALL)04/96]
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application
in the DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the
application form.
*
[HS03075(ALL)04/96]
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be
eligible, you will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
*
[HS03100(ALL)04/96]
n
the file number assigned to your application
*
[HS03125(ALL)04/96]
n
the toll-free phone number of the DSB's independent
administrator
*
[HS03150(ALL)04/96]
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative are
asked to submit statements at this time.
*
[HS03175(ALL)04/96]
To review your case properly, the Board needs the following
information:
*
[HS03200(ALL)04/96]
n
legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair
orders relevant to the case
*
[HS03225(ALL)04/96]
n
the year, make, model and Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) listed on your vehicle ownership license
*
[HS03250(ALL)04/96]
n
the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s)
*
[HS03275(ALL)04/96]
n
the current mileage
*
[HS03300(ALL)04/96]
n
the name of the dealer who sold or serviced the vehicle
*
[HS03325(ALL)04/96]
n
a brief description of your unresolved concern
*
[HS03350(ALL)04/96]
n
a brief summary of the action taken with the dealer and
Ford Motor Company
*
[HS03375(ALL)04/96]
n
the names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership
*
[HS03400(ALL)04/96]
n
a description of the action you expect to resolve your
concern
File:14cdhso.ex
Update:Fri May 24 08:39:27 1996

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
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

283
Index
Lubricant specifications................. 231
Luggage compartment.................. 78
Lug nuts....................... 163
anti-theft...................... 168
standard...................... 164
tightening sequence................. 167
M
Maintenance schedule and record (see separate Maintenance
Schedule and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)............... 177
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse)................. 137
clutch....................... 136
shifting gears.................... 136
Map pockets...................... 55
Master cylinder, brakes................. 188
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 215
Mirrors......................... 74
side view mirrors................... 74
Moon roof....................... 67
Motorcraft parts.................... 229
N
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration..... 235
New vehicle break-in.................. 5
O
Octane rating..................... 212
Odometer........................ 21
description...................... 21
trip odometer..................... 21
Oil filter.....................187, 229
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 184
Oil viscosity...................... 184
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 219
Overseas offices.................... 245
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

285
Index
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult......................... 87
child........................ 100
head......................... 83
infant.....................100, 102
Roadside assistance.................. 237
Roadside emergencies................. 149
Rotating the tires................... 204
S
Safe driving tips.................... 145
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)............. 87
Safety chains, when towing a trailer........... 143
Safety Compliance Certification Label.......... 140
Safety defects, reporting................ 235
Safety information relating to automotive fuels...... 213
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts............ 89,92,94
automatic locking mode................ 91
automatic locking mode (retractor)........... 91
center front lap belt.................. 93
center rear lap belt.................. 93
cleaning the safety belts............... 225
dual locking mode retractors.............. 91
extension assembly.................. 94
for adults....................... 87
for children..................... 100
for infants...................100, 102
for pregnant women................87±88
head......................... 83
lap and shoulder belts............... 87,89
lap belt........................ 93
maintenance..................... 95
proper use...................... 87
replacement...................... 95
warning light and chime................ 12
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996