1997 FORD CONTOUR engine

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
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[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.
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194
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[MC10741(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC10751(ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
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[MC10761(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
*
[MC10771(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
*
[MC10781(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
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[MC10791(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than-34ÊF [-36ÊC]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above
50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant
will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive
during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
%*
[MC12300(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
%*
[MC12400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
[MC12500(ALL)12/95]
With the power steering system at operating temperature,
switch off the engine. The fluid level should be up to the MAX
marking on the transparent reservoir.
[MC12600(ALL)12/95]
If it drops to or below the MIN mark, top off with the specified
fluid.
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Maintenance and Care
195
[MC12700(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001260-A
The power steering fluid reservoir
[MC12800(ALL)04/96]
Use only MERCONHpower steering fluid that meets Ford's
Specification or an equivalent.
%*
[MC12900(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[MC13000(ALL)02/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is not working
properly Ð for instance, the transaxle may slip or shift slowly,
or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level
should be checked.
%*
[MC13100(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC13200(ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied,
start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of
the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
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200
[MC15900(ALL)12/95]
Disconnecting the Battery
[MC16000(ALL)12/95]
Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all
the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for
one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to
idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive).
Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if
equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning
process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle.
*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
% [MC16200(ALL)04/96]
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement
[MC16300(ALL)04/96]
In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans
the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter
should be replaced at the intervals in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
[MC16400(ALL)12/95]
To replace the passenger compartment air filter:
[MC16500(ALL)12/95]1.
Remove both windshield wiper arms. With the wiper arm in
the horizontal position, lift the arm away from the
windshield while pulling the retaining clip at the base
toward the windshield. Release the wiper arm, then lift it off
the base.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
201
[MC16600(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001242-A
The screws on the grille
[MC16700(ALL)12/95]2.
Remove the plastic caps from the screws on the grille.
Remove the screws.
[MC16800(ALL)12/95]3.
Open the hood. Pull off the rubber weatherstrip at the back
of the engine compartment. Remove the screws that hold the
grille, separate the two halves and remove the grille.
[MC16900(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001243-A
Removing the grille
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202
[MC17000(ALL)12/95]4.
The filter is in a housing at the back of the engine
compartment, on the left side. Pull off the two clips on the
sides of the housing. Slide out the housing and filter.
[MC17100(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001244-B
Removing the passenger compartment air filter
[MC17200(ALL)12/95]5.
Slide the filter out of the housing, replace with the new
filter, and slide the housing and passenger compartment air
filter back into place. Reinstall the clips on the housing.
[MC17210(ALL)12/95]6.
Replace the grille and wiper arms.
%*
[MC17300(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC17400(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
*
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
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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
211
%*
[MC25200(ALL)04/96]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC25300(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.We do not recommend gasolines
labeled as ªregularº in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings of 86 or even less.
*
[MC25400(ALL)02/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[MC25600(ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
%*
[MC25650(ALL)05/96
]
Fuel quality
*
[MC25675(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[MC25700(ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
*
[MC25725(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996