1997 FORD CONTOUR warning

Maintenance and Care
189
*
[MC08600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
[MC08700(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000671-B
The brake fluid reservoir
%*
[MC08800(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC08900(ALL)03/96
]
Washer Fluid
*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment. Visual inspection
can determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate
the washer when the reservoir is empty.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

190
[MC09100(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001222-A
The windshield washer fluid reservoir
*
[MC09200(ALL)01/96]
Adding washer fluid
*
[MC09300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
*
[MC09400(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
%*
[MC09500(ALL)02/96
]
Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol
should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below32ÊF
[0ÊC]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze,
methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
191
%*
[MC09600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC09700(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC09800(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC09900(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.
[MC10000(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000336-D
The engine coolant recovery reservoir (2.5L shown Ð 2.0L similar)
%*
[MC10100(ALL)12/95
]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine
coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate
the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under
Engine Type, in this chapter.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

192
*
[MC10200(ALL)12/95]
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at
least once a month using the following guidelines.
[MC10300(ALL)12/95]
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the
engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the
MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be
at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in
either condition, coolant may need to be added.
*
[MC10400(ALL)02/96]
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from
internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the
water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC10500(ALL)01/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC10601(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC10611(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it
difficult to see through the windshield.
*
[MC10621(ALL)05/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT
ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only
in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50
mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
*
[MC10631(ALL)05/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough
of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
*
[MC10641(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
199
*
[MC15200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Do not allow flames, sparks or lit
tobacco to come near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide ventilation.
%*
[MC15300(ALL)05/96
]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[MC15400(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC15500(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.
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
[MC15800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001223-A
Battery recycling symbol
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
203
*
[MC17600(ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the
ignition to the ACC position and turn your wipers on. Wait for
them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to the
OFF position. Do not move the wipers manually. Manually
moving the wipers across the windshield may damage them.
*
[MC17700(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC17800(ALL)01/96]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly after you clean
them, you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly or the
blade element. When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent.
To replace the blades, follow the instructions that come with
them.
%*
[MC17900(ALL)01/96]
Tires
%*
[MC17901(O )03/96]
Checking Tire Pressure
*
[MC18100(ALL)02/96]
n
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC18200(ALL)02/96]
n
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less
than 3 miles (5 km).
*
[MC18400(ALL)03/96]
n
Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC18900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
205
%*
[MC19500(ALL)01/96
]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC19600(ALL)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows
a wear band, it has only 1/16 inch (2 mm) of tread left.
[MC19700(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001317-A
A worn-out tire
*
[MC19800(ALL)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly, you may need
to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire
tread.
*
[MC19900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that
are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all
tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on
the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your
vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
*
[MC20000(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may also affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
207
*
[MC21750(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
*
[MC21800(ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC21900(ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
*
[MC21925(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
*
[MC21950(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996