1997 FORD CONTOUR clutch

Controls and Features
65
*
[CF16300(ALL)05/96]
If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle may
momentarily slow down or speed up, even though the speed
control is on. This is normal.
[CF16400(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, and if your speed increases above your set
speed while driving in Overdrive on a downhill
grade, you may want to turn the Overdrive off and
use Drive. You may turn the Overdrive off by
pressing the Transaxle Control Switch on the left side
of the gearshift lever. This will reduce vehicle speed
if it goes above your set speed on a downhill grade.
[CF16500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a 5-speed manual
transaxle, and if your speed increases above your set
speed while driving in 5 (Fifth) gear on a downhill
grade, you may want to shift to 4 (Fourth) gear to
reduce vehicle speed. Depressing the clutch pedal
cancels speed control, therefore speed control must be
reset by pressing the SET/ACC or RES buttons. Speed
control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it goes
above your set speed on a downhill grade.
[CF16700(ALL)05/96]
To Speed Up
[CF16801(ALL)05/96]
Hold the Set Accel switch down and the vehicle will speed up
without the need to depress the accelerator. When the switch is
released, the system will maintain the speed reached. This speed
becomes the new stored speed.
[CF16901(ALL)05/96]
The vehicle speed can also be increased by momentarily
depressing the Set Accel switch (Tap up). Each tap will increase
the speed by approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
[CF17001(ALL)05/96]
To Slow Down
[CF17101(ALL)05/96]
Hold the Coast switch down and the vehicle will slow down
under normal engine braking. When the switch is released, the
system will maintain the speed reached. This speed becomes the
new stored speed.
File:05cdcfo.ex
Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996

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.
File:05cdcfo.ex
Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996

Controls and Features
77
*
[CF25930(ALL)12/95]
Floor Mats
[CF25940(ALL)02/96]
Positive retention floor mat (If equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
[CF25950(ALL)04/96]
Position the floor mat in the footwell. Place the mat eyelet over
the pointed end of the retention post from the rear and rotate
forward to install. Adjust the floor mat position to allow proper
operation of accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal.
[CF26200(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0001344-A
The positive retention floor mat
[CF26300(ALL)01/96]
To remove, lift the floor mat just forward of the retention post
and rotate it rearward to disengage it from the retention post.
File:05cdcfo.ex
Update:Fri Sep 13 08:48:17 1996

117
Starting
%*
[TO00200(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO00300(ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most important thing
to remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you
have problems getting your vehicle started. SeeStarting Your
Enginein this chapter for details about when to use the
accelerator while you start your vehicle.
*
[TO00400(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO00500(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO00600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO00700(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO00800(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure all occupants in the vehicle buckle their safety
belts. SeeSafety Restraintsin the Index for more details.
*
[TO00900(ALL)12/95]2.
Make sure your headlamps and other accessories are turned
off and the parking brake is set.
[TO01000(ALL)12/95]3.
If you have a manual transaxle,make sure that the parking
brake is fully set, push the clutch pedal to the floor, and put
the gearshift into Neutral before you turn the key.
(Remember, the starter will operate only if the clutch pedal
is pushed all the way to the floor.)
[TO02000(ALL)12/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle,make sure that the
gearshift is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you turn the key.
*
[TO02100(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theInstrumentationchapter.
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

136
[GF08500(ALL)12/95]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
%*
[GF08600(ALL)01/96]
Driving with a Manual Transaxle
%*
[GF08700(ALL)01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF08800(ALL)12/95]
In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the
vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set.
[GF08900(ALL)12/95]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds. Then,
hold your right foot on the brake pedal and release the parking
brake. With the clutch pedal depressed to the floor with your
left foot, move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
[GF09000(ALL)12/95]
To move the vehicle, take your right foot off the brake pedal
and then slowly release the clutch pedal. (You may need to
press down slowly on the accelerator at the same time that you
release the clutch pedal.)
*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
[GF09200(ALL)12/95]
Idling the Vehicle
[GF09300(ALL)12/95]
When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running, DO
NOT rest your hand on or apply any pressure to gearshift lever
when the clutch pedal is not depressed. This may result in
erratic engine operation.
%*
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
Shifting the Gears
*
[GF09500(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted on the floor.
The gearshift can be in one of seven possible positions, as
shown.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
137
[GF09600(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001265-A
The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift
[GF09700(ALL)12/95]
Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you
shift. You should upshift according to the speeds given in the
shift speed chart.
%*
[GF09800(ALL)01/96]
Backing up
*
[GF09900(ALL)01/96]
To shift into R (Reverse):
*
[GF10000(ALL)12/95]1.
Completely stop your vehicle.
*
[GF10100(ALL)12/95]2.
Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift
lever in the Neutral position. Do not release the clutch pedal.
[GF10200(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: If the following step is not followed, a grinding noise
may occur.
[GF10300(ALL)12/95]3.
Wait a minimum of three seconds before attempting to shift
into R (Reverse) gear.
[GF10400(ALL)12/95]4.
Push the gearshift lever completely to the right, pull up the
ring on the stalk of the gearshift lever, and then pull
rearward on the gearshift lever to engage the R (Reverse)
gear.
[GF10500(ALL)12/95]5.
If the R (Reverse) gear is engaged, slowly release the clutch
pedal from the floor.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
139
[GF11000(ALL)12/95]
Downshifting
*
[GF11100(ALL)03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
[GF11400(ALL)12/95]
Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with the clutch pedal
depressed at speeds higher than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you do,
it could cause a complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
%*
[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
%*
[GF11700(ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing
or on the door latch post pillar.
*
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

274
Child safety seats (continued)
in rear outboard seat................ 102
in rear seat..................... 102
tether anchorage hardware.............. 114
Chime
headlamps on.................... 16
key in ignition.................... 58
safety belt...................... 12
Circuit breakers, checking and replacing......... 160
Cleaning your vehicle................. 224
CD player and discs.................. 33
chrome and aluminum parts............. 225
engine compartment................. 227
exterior...................... 224
exterior lamps................... 226
fabric....................... 226
headlamps..................... 226
instrument panel................. 7,225
interior....................... 226
mirrors........................ 75
plastic parts.................... 225
polishing...................... 224
rear windows..................... 52
rustproofing.................... 225
safety belts..................... 225
tail lamps..................... 226
upholstery and interior trim............. 226
washing...................... 224
waxing....................... 224
wheels....................... 227
Climate control system.................. 47
Clock.......................... 55
Clutch........................ 136
fluid reservoir................... 188
operation while driving............... 136
shifting the gears.................. 136
specifications.................... 231
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996