![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 120
%*
[TO03900(ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
[TO04000(ALL)12/95]
n
Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seco FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 120
%*
[TO03900(ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
[TO04000(ALL)12/95]
n
Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seco](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-119.png)
120
%*
[TO03900(ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
[TO04000(ALL)12/95]
n
Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seconds on the first try, wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[TO04100(ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
*
[TO04200(ALL)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep
your foot on the brake pedal and put the gearshift lever in gear.
Release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and
drive away in the normal manner.
*
[TO04300(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, your vehicle has an interlock that prevents
you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is
on the brake pedal.
%*
[TO04400(ALL)01/96]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
[TO04500(ALL)12/95]1.
Press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it.
[TO04600(ALL)12/95]2.
Turn the ignition key to the START position.
[TO04700(ALL)12/95]3.
Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
[TO04800(ALL)12/95]4.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
*
[TO04900(ALL)03/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 130
%*
[GF03900(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)0 FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 130
%*
[GF03900(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)0](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-128.png)
130
%*
[GF03900(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
%*
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
Driving with an Automatic Overdrive
Transaxle
[GF04400(ALL)12/95]
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic
operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the transaxle control
switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
%*
[GF04500(ALL)02/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04600(ALL)12/95]
You must push in the thumb button to move the gearshift to
the position you choose.
*
[GF04700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 149
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00195(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The
flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 149
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00195(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The
flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-146.png)
149
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00195(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The
flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully
charged and in good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if
the battery is not fully charged, the battery power can be
drained.
%*
[ER00300(ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
%*
[ER00400(ALL)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[ER00500(ALL)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even
after a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have
been activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
[ER00600(ALL)04/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is located
on the left-hand trim panel in the driver's footwell.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
209
*
[MC22900(ALL)01/96]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. Th FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
209
*
[MC22900(ALL)01/96]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. Th](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-205.png)
Maintenance and Care
209
*
[MC22900(ALL)01/96]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[MC23200(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC23900(ALL)12/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger side near the
back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC24000(ALL)03/96]1.
After opening the fuel filler door, remove the cap carefully
and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If
a hissing sound is heard, wait until it stops, then continue
turning until the cap is free.
*
[MC24100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until
it stops before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC24200(ALL)01/96]2.
Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe before
pumping the fuel.
*
[MC24300(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 214
%*
[MC27300(ALL)01/96
]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC27400(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
*
[MC27500(ALL) FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 214
%*
[MC27300(ALL)01/96
]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC27400(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
*
[MC27500(ALL)](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-210.png)
214
%*
[MC27300(ALL)01/96
]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC27400(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
*
[MC27500(ALL)01/96]
You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel
system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
*
[MC27600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start
the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in fire and personal injury.
%*
[MC27700(ALL)03/96]
Fuel Economy
*
[MC27800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
*
[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle's break-in
period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much
fuel your vehicle will normally use.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
227
*
[MC40500(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC40600(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
227
*
[MC40500(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC40600(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-223.png)
Maintenance and Care
227
*
[MC40500(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC40600(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC40700(ALL)01/96]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC40800(ALL)04/96]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[MC40900(ALL)04/96]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[MC41000(ALL)01/96]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
%*
[MC41100(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC41200(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[MC41300(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996
![FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/4766/w960_4766-228.png)
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

276
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 160
fuses......................151, 159
relays....................... 151
Electronic radio with cassette (see Electronic
sound system).................. 38
Electronic sound system
antenna....................... 44
tuning the radio................. 25,39
warranty and service information............ 45
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system).................. 38
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system).... 38
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 237
battery acid spills................169, 199
fuel........................ 213
jump-starting.................... 169
towing....................... 174
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 128
Emission control system................ 216
catalytic converter.................. 216
emissions warranty................ 3,216
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 18
does not start..................120, 149
fuel injected engine, starting...........117±118
fuel pump shut-off switch.............. 149
preparing to start.................. 117
refill capacities................... 230
service points.................... 181
starting...................... 118
starting after a collision............... 149
storing your vehicle................. 233
Engine block heater.................. 122
Engine coolant.................... 191
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996