1997 FORD CONTOUR lock

168
%*
[ER09400(ALL)01/96]
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts (If equipped)
[ER09500(ALL)12/95]
If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts on each
wheel locks and must be unlocked with a special key. If you
lose the key, send the registration card to the manufacturer (not
to the dealer) to get a replacement key.
[ER09600(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: If you lose your lug wrench/lug nut key assembly, see
your nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer who has
access to a master set of keys.
*
[ER09700(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT WRENCH ON
THE LUG NUT KEY.
[ER09800(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000529-B
The anti-theft lug nut and key
*
[ER09900(ALL)12/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER10000(ALL)02/96]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure that you
hold the key square to the lug nut. If you hold the key on an
angle, you may damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[ER10100(ALL)12/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and apply
pressure on the key with the wrench. Turn the wrench in a
counterclockwise direction to remove the lug nut.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
169
*
[ER10200(ALL)12/95]
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER10300(ALL)12/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while applying pressure on
the key, install the lug nut.
%*
[ER10400(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[ER10500(ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any
electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[ER10600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER10700(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER10800(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER10900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
175
*
[ER13900(ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
*
[ER14000(ALL)12/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[ER14100(ALL)12/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[ER14200(ALL)12/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[ER14300(ALL)01/96]
n
Release the parking brake.
*
[ER14400(ALL)12/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[ER14500(ALL)12/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[ER14600(ALL)12/95]
n
Unlock the steering wheel.
[ER14700(ALL)12/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 35 mph
(55 km/h) or for a distance greater than 50 miles (80 km)
unless the drive wheels are placed on dollies.
[ER14800(ALL)12/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) if you have a manual transaxle. Your maximum
towing distance is unlimited.
*
[ER14900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when
you tow your vehicle. This could damage the bumper
and cause an accident.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Maintenance and Care
179
*
[MC02200(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02300(ALL)12/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1
(First) gear (manual transaxle).
*
[MC02400(ALL)01/96]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
*
[MC02500(ALL)01/96]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02600(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC02700(ALL)01/96]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or Neutral
(manual transaxle).
*
[MC02800(ALL)01/96]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
*
[MC03000(ALL)12/95]
If the battery is disconnected, the computer must relearn its idle
control. SeeBatteryin the Index.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
193
*
[MC10651(ALL)05/96]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps
to avoid personal injury:
*
[MC10661(ALL)05/96]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool.
*
[MC10671(ALL)05/96]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap.
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC10681(ALL)05/96]3.
Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC10691(ALL)05/96]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise,
and remove it.
*
[MC10701(ALL)05/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent premium engine
coolant that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized formula that will
protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford cooling
systems for 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
*
[MC10711(ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives
may harm your engine cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may void the warranty of your vehicle's engine cooling
system.
*
[MC10721(ALL)05/96]
Recycled engine coolant
*
[MC10731(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
209
*
[MC22900(ALL)01/96]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[MC23200(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC23900(ALL)12/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger side near the
back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC24000(ALL)03/96]1.
After opening the fuel filler door, remove the cap carefully
and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If
a hissing sound is heard, wait until it stops, then continue
turning until the cap is free.
*
[MC24100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until
it stops before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC24200(ALL)01/96]2.
Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before
pumping the fuel.
*
[MC24300(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

210
[MC24400(ALL)12/95]3.
Replace the fuel cap completely when you are finished. Turn
it clockwise until it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[MC24500(ALL)01/96]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
*
[MC24600(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[MC24700(ALL)01/96
]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[MC24800(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[MC24900(ALL)01/96
]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC25000(ALL)03/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by
federal law and could damage your vehicle. The damage may
not be covered by your warranty.
*
[MC25100(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels.
However, even though your engine will perform adequately on
other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices
and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage
caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for
may not be covered by your warranty.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
221
*
[MC36100(ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC36200(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure that the headlamp knob is in the OFF position.
*
[MC36300(ALL)01/96]2.
Lift the hood and find the bulb in the headlamp socket.
[MC36400(ALL)12/95]3.
Remove the bulb assembly by turning it clockwise and
pulling it out of the headlamp socket.
[MC36500(ALL)12/95]4.
Remove the L-shaped bulb by pressing the retaining clip at
the base of the electrical connector and sliding the bulb out.
*
[MC36600(ALL)03/96]
Installing the headlamp bulb
[MC36700(ALL)12/95]1.
Without touching the glass on the bulb, insert the new bulb.
You may want to protect the bulb by holding it with a piece
of cloth or paper towel. Make sure the retaining clip at the
base of the electrical connector locks.
[MC36800(ALL)12/95]2.
Insert the bulb assembly in the headlamp socket. Turn it
counterclockwise to lock it in place.
[MC36900(ALL)12/95]3.
Turn the headlamps on and make sure that they work
properly. If the headlamp was correctly aligned before you
changed the bulb, you should not need to align it again.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996