1997 FORD CONTOUR check oil

14
%*
[IS03100(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[IS03300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000293-C*
[IS03400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the ignition to the
ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off
when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS03600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
*
[IS03700(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your
key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off
when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
[IS03800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000294-BFile:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Instrumentation
15
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[IS03850(ALL)04/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS03900(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS04000(ALL)03/96]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
*
[IS04100(ALL)12/95]3.
Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on
checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See
Engine oilin the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, engine damage could result. To ensure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.
*
[IS04200(ALL)12/95]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary to
bring it to the full level before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for
further service actions.
%*
[IS04300(ALL)03/96]
High Beam Light
*
[IS04400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the headlamps are turned to high
beam or when you flash the lights.
[IS04500(ALL)12/95]
If the high beam light flashes in a vehicle equipped with the
Daytime Running Light (DRL) system (Canada), it indicates a
failure in the DRL circuit. Check the bulbs and fuses or have
the DRL system checked by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

170
*
[ER11000(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.
*
[ER11100(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
%*
[ER11200(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER11300(ALL)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[ER11400(ALL)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[ER11500(ALL)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER11600(ALL)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[ER11700(ALL)03/96]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Press the DEFROST
button. Turn off all other switches and gauges.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC05600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1
(First) (manual transaxle).
*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC06200(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine)
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

186
[MC06300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001245-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine)
[MC06400(ALL)12/95]6.
2.0L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the lower notch, add engine oil as necessary.
If the oil level is beyond the upper notch, engine damage
and/or high oil comsumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
[MC06500(ALL)12/95]
2.5L engine:Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil
level is below the MIN line, add engine oil as necessary. If
the oil level is above the letter M in MAX, engine damage
and/or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
*
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[MC06700(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
[MC06900(O )04/96]
Nearly all engines will consume engine oil. As a result, it may
be necessary to add some oil between oil changes.
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

216
*
[MC29700(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
*
[MC29800(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
*
[MC29900(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
*
[MC30000(ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC30100(ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[MC30200(ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC30300(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC30400(ALL)12/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[MC30500(ALL)12/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC30600(ALL)12/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC30700(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%*
[MC30800(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[MC31000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

218
*
[MC31700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[MC31800(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC31900(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC32000(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC32100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC32200(ALL)01/96
]
Information about your vehicle's emission control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996