1997 FORD CONTOUR load capacity

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

Maintenance and Care
205
%*
[MC19500(ALL)01/96
]
Replacing the Tires
*
[MC19600(ALL)01/96]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows
a wear band, it has only 1/16 inch (2 mm) of tread left.
[MC19700(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001317-A
A worn-out tire
*
[MC19800(ALL)02/96]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly, you may need
to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire
tread.
*
[MC19900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that
are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all
tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on
the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your
vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
*
[MC20000(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may also affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996