1997 FORD CONTOUR coolant temperature

Instrumentation
19
%*
[IS06900(ALL)03/96]
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
*
[IS07000(ALL)03/96]
The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the direction in
which you are going to be turning.
*
[IS07100(ALL)02/96]
one inch art:0050190-A
%*
[IS07200(ALL)03/96]
Fuel Gauge
*
[IS07300(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel you have
in the fuel tank.
[IS07400(ALL)12/95]
For proper fuel gauge operation, the ignition must be in the
OFF position before you add fuel to the fuel tank.
*
[IS07500(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while the vehicle is
in motion. This is the result of fuel movement within the tank.
An accurate reading may be obtained with the vehicle on
smooth, level ground.
%*
[IS07600(ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS07700(ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not
the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or
mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS07800(ALL)12/95]
The pointer moves from the white mark into the NORMAL
band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the
pointer to fluctuate within the NORMAL band under normal
driving conditions. Under certain driving conditions, such as
heavy stop and go traffic or driving up hills in hot weather, the
pointer may indicate at the top of the NORMAL band.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

20
[IS07900(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001097-B
The engine coolant temperature gauge
*
[IS08000(ALL)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the
NORMAL band, the engine is overheating and continued
operation may cause engine damage.
*
[IS08100(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS08200(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS08300(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn off the engine.
*
[IS08400(ALL)01/96]3.
Let the engine cool.
*
[IS08500(ALL)03/96]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine, seeEngine
Coolantin the Index. If you do not follow these instructions,
you or others could be injured.
*
[IS08600(ALL)01/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced as soon as possible.
%*
[IS08700(ALL)03/96]
Speedometer
*
[IS08800(ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per
hour your vehicle is moving.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

122
%*
[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures reach-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An
engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the
heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO05700(ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a grounded 110-volt
outlet. Ford recommends that you use a 110-volt circuit that is
protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO05800(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
*
[TO05900(ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before
you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three
hours will not damage the engine, so you can plug it in at night
to start your vehicle the following morning.
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 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

194
*
[MC10741(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC10751(ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
*
[MC10761(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
*
[MC10771(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
*
[MC10781(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
*
[MC10791(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than-34ÊF [-36ÊC]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above
50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant
will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive
during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
%*
[MC12300(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
%*
[MC12400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
[MC12500(ALL)12/95]
With the power steering system at operating temperature,
switch off the engine. The fluid level should be up to the MAX
marking on the transparent reservoir.
[MC12600(ALL)12/95]
If it drops to or below the MIN mark, top off with the specified
fluid.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

275
Index
Cold engine starting.................. 118
Combination lap and shoulder belts............ 89
Compact disc player (see Electronic sound system)..... 24
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound system)..... 24
Console, description................... 76
Controls, mirrors.................... 74
Convenience kit in cargo area.............. 162
Coolant (see Engine coolant).............. 191
checking and adding................ 191
preparing for storage................ 233
refill capacities................... 230
specifications.................... 231
temperature gauge.................. 19
warnings...................... 191
Cooling fan...................... 178
Crankcase ventilation filter............... 229
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada....... 244
D
Daytime running light system.............. 53
Defects, reporting................... 235
Defrost, rear window.................. 51
Dipstick....................... 185
automatic transaxle fluid............... 195
engine oil..................... 185
power steering fluid................. 194
Disabled vehicle (see Towing).............. 174
Doors......................... 71
lubricant specifications................ 231
Driving under special conditions............ 145
bad weather.................... 145
heavy load..................... 139
high water..................... 147
slippery roads................... 145
tips for safe driving................. 145
towing a trailer................... 141
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

277
Index
Engine coolant (continued)
checking and adding................ 191
disposal...................... 178
low coolant warning light............... 22
preparing for storage................ 233
proper solution................... 178
recovery reservoir.................. 191
refill capacities................... 230
specifications.................... 231
temperature gauge.................. 19
Engine coolant temperature gauge............. 19
description...................... 19
Engine fan...................... 178
Engine:
idle speed control.................. 121
Engine knocking.................... 212
Engine oil....................... 184
changing oil and oil filter.............. 187
checking and adding................ 185
dipstick...................... 185
disposal...................... 178
engine oil pressure warning light............ 14
filter, specifications................. 229
refill capacities................... 230
specifications..................184, 231
synthetic oil.................... 184
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 5
viscosity...................... 184
Entry system
remote........................ 79
Exhaust fumes..................... 123
Extended Service Plan, Ford............... 4
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

279
Index
Fuel filter, specifications................ 229
Fuel gauge....................... 19
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start................ 149
starting after a collision............... 149
Fuse panels, instrument panel.............. 156
Fuses
charts....................... 158
checking and replacing............... 159
circuit breakers................... 160
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap)................. 209
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)............ 215
Gasoline (see Fuel)................... 209
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge........... 19
fuel gauge...................... 19
odometer....................... 21
speedometer..................... 20
tachometer...................... 21
trip odometer..................... 21
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 140
definition...................... 139
driving with a heavy load.............. 139
location...................... 139
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996