1997 FORD CONTOUR warning

Starting
123
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[TO06000(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO06100(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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[TO06200(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.
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[TO06300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
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[TO06400(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked
whenever:
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[TO06500(ALL)01/96]
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your vehicle is raised for service
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[TO06600(ALL)01/96]
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the sound of the exhaust system changes
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[TO06700(ALL)01/96]
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your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
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[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
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[TO06900(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
[TO07000(ALL)12/95]
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on medium or high with
the function control knob turned to FLR, PNL/FLR or PANEL.
[TO07100(ALL)12/95]
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on medium or
high with the A/C button pressed. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 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.
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[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.
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128
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[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
Parking Brake
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[GF02400(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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).
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[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking
brake while outside the vehicle.
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[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.
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[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.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
129
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[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your
engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes
to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
%*
[GF03200(ALL)02/96]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[GF03300(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[GF03400(ALL)12/95]
Working with the anti-lock brake system, the traction control
system monitors the speed of the wheels as they roll over the
road surface. When a wheel starts to spin because of slippery
conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by
closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the
traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning
wheel.
[GF03500(ALL)12/95]
When the traction control system becomes active, the driver
may notice a very slight kick and then a hard resistance in the
accelerator pedal, and a mechanical noise. The traction control
system light on the instrument panel comes on or flashes on
and off during activation.
[GF03600(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system can be turned off manually by
pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will
remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off.
[GF03700(ALL)12/95]
Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will
automatically be on. When the ignition is turned to the ON
position, the traction control system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds.
[GF03800(ALL)12/95]
If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON position or if it does not come on when the T/C OFF
button is pressed, have the system serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of the traction control feature. You do not need to have
the vehicle towed in.
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[GF03900(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
%*
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
Driving with an Automatic Overdrive
Transaxle
[GF04400(ALL)12/95]
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic
operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the transaxle control
switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
%*
[GF04500(ALL)02/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04600(ALL)12/95]
You must push in the thumb button to move the gearshift to
the position you choose.
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[GF04700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
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Driving
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[GF07500(ALL)03/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07600(ALL)12/95]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[GF07700(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
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[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07900(ALL)12/95]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[GF08000(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to D
(Overdrive) at any speed.
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[GF08100(ALL)03/96]
P (Park)
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[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
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[GF08300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
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[GF08400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
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[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
%*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
[GF12100(ALL)12/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the
maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label attached to the left front door pillar or the left front door
lock facing.
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[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the weights of:
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[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
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the driver and passengers
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[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
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luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle
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[GF12500(ALL)12/95]
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the tongue load of the loaded trailer
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[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
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the weight of any equipment that has been added to your
vehicle since it was delivered to your dealer
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[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
If you do not know the actual weights of these items, use the
following procedure to figure the weight of a load:
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[GF12800(ALL)01/96]1.
Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers and
luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company
or an inspection station for trucks.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]2.
Then weigh your vehicle with the driver, passengers and
luggage.
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[GF13000(ALL)01/96]3.
Subtract the first reading from the second to figure the total
weight of the load.
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[GF13100(ALL)11/92]
After determining this load, you must also make sure that the
total weight of your vehicle, plus the load it carries, is less than
its GVWR. Also, make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
141
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[GF13200(ALL)12/95]
You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or the door
latch post pillar.
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[GF13300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds the GAWR for
either axle, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly.
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[GF13400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying
weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal
can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
%*
[GF13500(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing
[GF13600(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum
of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum
tongue load of 100 lbs (45 kg). It should also have 25 sq. ft. (2.3
sq. meters) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) while towing a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) trailer.
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[GF13700(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to
tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
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[GF13800(ALL)12/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you
must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of
your vehicle:
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[GF13900(ALL)12/95]
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Stay within the load limits when you tow. (SeeKnowing Your
Vehicle's Load Limits.)
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[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
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Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
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[GF14100(ALL)01/96]
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Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996