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Introduction
5
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Breaking Your Vehicle In
*
[II03600(ALL)01/96]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in
period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it.
During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to
how you drive your vehicle.
%*
[II03700(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle has new brake
linings, you should take these steps:
*
[II03800(ALL)01/96]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate when to
stop.
*
[II03900(ALL)01/96]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
*
[II04000(ALL)01/96]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
*
[II04100(ALL)01/96]
The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles
(160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
highway driving.
%*
[II04200(ALL)03/96]
n
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends.See
Engine oil recommendationsin the Index. Do not use special
ªbreak-inº oils.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Instrumentation
13
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[IS02600(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Instrumentation
13
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[IS02600(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-14.png)
Instrumentation
13
%*
[IS02600(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS02700(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
[IS02800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000971-D*
[IS02900(ALL)12/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not
set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the
START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine
starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake, have the
hydraulic brake system serviced by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
*
[IS03000(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Instrumentation
21
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Odometer
*
[IS09000(ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers)
your vehicle has been driven.
%*
[IS09100(ALL)01/96]
Trip Odomete FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Instrumentation
21
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[IS08900(ALL)03/96]
Odometer
*
[IS09000(ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers)
your vehicle has been driven.
%*
[IS09100(ALL)01/96]
Trip Odomete](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-22.png)
Instrumentation
21
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[IS08900(ALL)03/96]
Odometer
*
[IS09000(ALL)01/96]
The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers)
your vehicle has been driven.
%*
[IS09100(ALL)01/96]
Trip Odometer
[IS09200(ALL)12/95]
The trip odometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) your
vehicle has been driven since the last reset. Press the reset
control to return the trip odometer to zero.
[IS09300(O )12/95]
Sport Cluster
*
[IS09400(O )12/95]
The sport cluster has basically the same standard warning lights
and gauges as the standard cluster, with the following
additional features:
%*
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Tachometer
*
[IS09600(ALL)01/96]
The tachometer displays the approximate engine revolutions per
minute (rpm), or how fast the engine is running.
*
[IS09700(ALL)03/96]
If you drive with the tachometer in the red zone, you may
damage the engine.
%*
[IS09800(ALL)01/96]
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light (If equipped)
[IS09900(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[IS10000(ALL)12/95]
The Anti-Lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (between 12 and
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53
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Fog Lamps (If equipped)
[CF06100(ALL)12/95]
The fog lamps act as a supplement to the low beam headlamps
under limited visibility conditions such as rain FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Controls and Features
53
%*
[CF06000(ALL)08/95]
Fog Lamps (If equipped)
[CF06100(ALL)12/95]
The fog lamps act as a supplement to the low beam headlamps
under limited visibility conditions such as rain](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-53.png)
Controls and Features
53
%*
[CF06000(ALL)08/95]
Fog Lamps (If equipped)
[CF06100(ALL)12/95]
The fog lamps act as a supplement to the low beam headlamps
under limited visibility conditions such as rain, snow, dust or
fog.
[CF06200(ALL)12/95]
The fog lamps operate only when the low beam headlamps are
on. To operate the fog lamps, turn the headlamp control knob
to the second position (headlamps on) and pull the knob out.
An indicator lamp will glow when the fog lamps are on.
[CF06300(ALL)12/95]
To turn off, push the headlamp control knob in.
*
[CF06400(ALL)03/96]
To maximize fog lamp bulb life, it is recommended that the fog
lamp switch be turned off after each use prior to turning off the
headlamps.
%*
[CF06500(ALL)03/96]
Daytime Running Light System
*
[CF06600(ALL)03/96]
(Canadian vehicles only)
*
[CF06700(ALL)01/96]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is designed to turn
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced light output and
without illuminating the high beam indicator lamp in the
instrument panel. The DRL system operates when all of the
following conditions are met:
[CF06750(ALL)04/96]
n
The vehicle's parking brake is fully released.
[CF06800(ALL)04/96]
n
The vehicle is ªrunning.º
[CF06900(ALL)04/96]
n
The headlamp system is in the OFF position.
*
[CF07000(ALL)03/96]
The high beam indicator light on the instrument cluster will not
be on.
[CF07100(ALL)12/95]
A flashing high beam light in the instrument cluster indicates a
failure in the DRL system circuit, like a burnt bulb or fuse.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 56
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Ignition
%*
[CF09200(ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[CF09300(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001185-D
The positions of the key in the ignition
[CF09400(ALL FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 56
*
[CF09100(ALL)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF09200(ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[CF09300(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001185-D
The positions of the key in the ignition
[CF09400(ALL](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-56.png)
56
*
[CF09100(ALL)01/96]
Ignition
%*
[CF09200(ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[CF09300(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001185-D
The positions of the key in the ignition
[CF09400(ALL)12/95]
LOCK and ACCESSORY lock the gearshift for all vehicles with
an automatic transaxle.
*
[CF09500(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[CF09600(ALL)12/95]
The automatic transaxle gearshift must be in P (Park) to move
the key to the LOCK position.
*
[CF09700(ALL)01/96]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key.
The LOCK feature helps to protect your vehicle from theft.
*
[CF09800(ALL)01/96]
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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57
[CF09900(ALL)12/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicles electrical accessories
to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you
can use ACCESSORY to turn on th FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Controls and Features
57
[CF09900(ALL)12/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicles electrical accessories
to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you
can use ACCESSORY to turn on th](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-57.png)
Controls and Features
57
[CF09900(ALL)12/95]
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.
*
[CF10000(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[CF10100(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[CF10200(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[CF10300(ALL)04/96]
Procedures for removing your key from the ignition vary,
depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual
transaxle.
[CF10400(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle:
*
[CF10500(ALL)01/96]1.
Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
*
[CF10600(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
[CF10700(ALL)12/95]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[CF10800(ALL)12/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
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58
[CF10900(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle:
[CF11000(ALL)04/96]1.
Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First).
*
[CF11100(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully.
[CF11200(ALL)12/95]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[CF11300(ALL)12/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
[CF11400(ALL)12/95]
The steering wheel locks when the key is removed.
%*
[CF11500(ALL)12/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still in the ignition,
a warning chime sounds.
*
[CF11600(ALL)01/96]
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).
*
[CF11700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 66
[CF17201(ALL)05/96]
The vehicle speed can also be decreased by momentarily
depressing the Coast switch (Tap down). Each tap will decrease
the speed by approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
[CF17301(ALL)0 FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 66
[CF17201(ALL)05/96]
The vehicle speed can also be decreased by momentarily
depressing the Coast switch (Tap down). Each tap will decrease
the speed by approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
[CF17301(ALL)0](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-66.png)
66
[CF17201(ALL)05/96]
The vehicle speed can also be decreased by momentarily
depressing the Coast switch (Tap down). Each tap will decrease
the speed by approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
[CF17301(ALL)03/96]
Resume feature
[CF17401(ALL)05/96]
The speed control system will be disengaged as soon as the
brake or clutch pedal is depressed. To turn to the previously set
speed, momentarily depress the RES switch.
[CF18800(ALL)02/96]
Dome Lamp
[CF18900(O )12/95]
Your vehicle has a dome lamp above the front seat. The switch
on the dome lamp turns it on and off.
[CF19000(O )12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001219-A
The switch on the dome lamp
[CF19300(ALL)02/96]
Dome lamp delay
[CF19400(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may have a dome lamp delay. If you set the
switch on the dome lamp to the 12-second delay position, the
dome lamp will turn on when either front door is opened.
[CF19500(ALL)12/95]
The dome lamp will turn off after 12 seconds or when the
ignition key is turned to the ON or ACC position. It will not
turn off if either front door is open or if you move the dome
lamp switch to the ON position.
*
[CF19600(ALL)02/96]
Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and
should be cleaned with a mild detergent diluted in water. Rinse
them with clear water.
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