1997 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

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Ignition
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Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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The positions of the key in the ignition
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LOCK and ACCESSORY lock the gearshift for all vehicles with
an automatic transaxle.
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RWARNING
LOCK position does not lock the gearshift on
floor-mounted manual transaxle gearshifts. If the parking
brake is not set and the gearshift is moved out of gear,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
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The automatic transaxle gearshift must be in P (Park) to move
the key to the LOCK position.
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LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key.
The LOCK feature helps to protect your vehicle from theft.
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If your key is stuck in the LOCK position and will not turn,
move your steering wheel left or right until the key turns freely.
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Controls and Features
57
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ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's electrical accessories
to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you
can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio without starting the
engine.
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ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights (except the
brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you
start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the
engine is started and remains in this position while the engine
runs.
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START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to
ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to
test the brake warning light.
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Removing the Key From the Ignition
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Procedures for removing your key from the ignition vary,
depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual
transaxle.
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If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle:
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Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
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Set the parking brake fully.
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Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
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Remove the key from the ignition.
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If your vehicle has a manual transaxle:
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Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First).
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Set the parking brake fully.
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Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
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Remove the key from the ignition.
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The steering wheel locks when the key is removed.
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If the driver's door is open while the key is still in the ignition,
a warning chime sounds.
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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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RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
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Controls and Features
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The Turn Signal Lever
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You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering
column to:
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operate the turn signals and cornering lamps
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turn the high beams on/off
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flash the lamps
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Turn Signals
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The turn signal lever
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Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move it down to
signal a left turn. The corresponding indicator light in the
instrument cluster will flash.
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If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move the lever back
to the center (off) position.
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For lane changes, move the lever far enough to signal but not to
latch. The lever will return to the off position when you release
it.
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High Beams and Flashing the Lamps
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To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp control knob to
the headlamp ON position and push the turn signal lever away
from you until it latches. When the high beams are on, the high
beam indicator light on the instrument cluster comes on.
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To turn off the high beams, pull the lever back to the off
position.
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To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward you for a moment
and then release it. The headlamps will flash whether the
headlamp knob is in the on or off position.
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Windshield Wipers and Washer
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To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition key must be
turned to the ON position.
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Using the windshield wiper
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The windshield wipers can be set on high, low speed or interval
wipe. Turn the ring on the lever to set a longer or shorter pause
between wiping cycles.
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Controls and Features
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Windshield Washer
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When the lever is pulled to activate the windshield washer, the
wipers operate for about three cycles after the spray stops.
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Washing the windshield
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Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid
container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more
than 15 seconds continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.
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RWARNING
Always warm up the windshield with the defroster
before you use the washer fluid. In freezing weather, the
washer solution may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision.
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For information about refilling the washer fluid or replacing
your windshield wiper blades, seeWindshield washer fluid and
Wipersin the Index.
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Hazard Flasher
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The hazard flasher serves as a warning to other drivers to be
careful when approaching or passing your vehicle.
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Using the hazard flasher switch
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Horn
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To sound the horn, push the pad in the center of the steering
wheel. Check the horn regularly to be sure it operates properly.
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Controls and Features
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Tilt Steering (If equipped)
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RWARNING
Never adjust the steering column/wheel when the vehicle
is moving. You could lose control of the vehicle and
injure someone.
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The lever to tilt the steering wheel
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To change the position of the steering wheel, pull down the
knob on the bottom left-hand side of the column to extend the
lever. Pull the lever toward you, unlocking the column.
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Move the steering wheel up or down until you find the position
you prefer. Push the lever away from you, locking the column
in position. When you release the knob, the lever will retract.
File:05cdcfo.ex
Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996