1997 FORD CONTOUR cooling

50
[CF03200(ALL)12/95]
Air conditioning
*
[CF03300(ALL)01/96]
A/C
[CF03400(ALL)12/95]
Select A/C to get refrigerated outside air through the
instrument panel registers. The A/C position is used for cooling
except when extremely hot or fast cooling of the vehicle is
needed. Then, select MAX A/C for fast cooling and return to
A/C when you are comfortable.
*
[CF03500(ALL)03/96]
MAX A/C
[CF03600(ALL)03/96]
The MAX A/C position produces cool air more rapidly to
provide faster cooling of your vehicle. This is possible because
cooler air is drawn from inside the passenger area and
refrigerated again instead of using warmer outside air. Using
inside air will also make the fan sound louder, which is normal
when using MAX A/C. The air flow will be from the
instrument panel registers.
[CF03700(ALL)12/95]
Comfort tips
[CF03800(ALL)04/96]
The following tips will help you to get the most satisfaction
from your climate control system.
[CF03900(ALL)12/95]
n
In humid weather, selectVDEF before starting your
engine. This will help to prevent windshield fogging. After a
few minutes of operation, you may select another function.
[CF04000(ALL)12/95]
n
To prevent humidity buildup inside your vehicle, always
drive with the climate control system turned on.
*
[CF04100(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not put objects under the front seats that interfere with
the flow of air to the back seat area.
[CF04200(ALL)12/95]
n
Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area of
your heater and air conditioner system which could block
the air intake. The intake area is located at the bottom of the
windshield.
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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.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

178
%*
[MC01300(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
%*
[MC01400(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[MC01500(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96
]
n
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fan may
come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it
cool.
*
[MC01700(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.
*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
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.
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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
193
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[MC10651(ALL)05/96]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps
to avoid personal injury:
*
[MC10661(ALL)05/96]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool.
*
[MC10671(ALL)05/96]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap.
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC10681(ALL)05/96]3.
Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC10691(ALL)05/96]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise,
and remove it.
*
[MC10701(ALL)05/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent premium engine
coolant that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized formula that will
protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford cooling
systems for 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
*
[MC10711(ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives
may harm your engine cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may void the warranty of your vehicle's engine cooling
system.
*
[MC10721(ALL)05/96]
Recycled engine coolant
*
[MC10731(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

194
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[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

Capacities and Specifications
233
%*
[CS02400(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS02500(ALL)01/96]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[CS02600(ALL)01/96]
n
With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears
while the engine is running.
%*
[CS02700(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS02800(ALL)01/96]
n
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
*
[CS02900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
*
[CS03000(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[CS03100(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[CS03200(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS03300(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect against freezing temperatures.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996