1997 FORD CONTOUR warning

Roadside Emergencies
165
[ER07900(O )02/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001300-A
Sports models with skirts
*
[ER08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part
of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do
not start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack.
The jack is only meant for changing the tire.
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
171
%*
[ER11800(ALL)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER11900(ALL)02/96]1.
Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use
the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper
cables have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and the black for
the negative ones.
*
[ER12000(ALL)02/96]2.
Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster battery.
*
[ER12100(ALL)02/96]3.
Connect one end of the second cable to the negative (s)
terminal of the booster battery Ð NOT to the discharged
battery.
*
[ER12200(ALL)01/96]4.
Connect the other end of the second cable to a good metallic
surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle.
*
[ER12300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the
negative (s) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A
spark may cause an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
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

178
%*
[MC01300(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
%*
[MC01400(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[MC01500(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96
]
n
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fan may
come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it
cool.
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 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
187
%*
[MC07000(ALL)01/96
]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[MC07100(ALL)04/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
[MC07200(ALL)12/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
[MC07300(ALL)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
%*
[MC07400(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
*
[MC07500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC07600(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

188
%*
[MC07700(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC07800(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake lining wears.
[MC07900(ALL)12/95]
You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled engine oil
change, but be sure to check it at least once a year. You can do
this by looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the
master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin this chapter to locate
the brake fluid reservoir.) The fluid level should be at or near
the MAX mark.
*
[MC08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC08100(ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
*
[MC08200(ALL)12/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the cap from the
reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
*
[MC08400(ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC08500(ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996