1997 FORD CONTOUR low oil pressure

14
%*
[IS03100(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[IS03300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000293-C*
[IS03400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the ignition to the
ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off
when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS03600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
*
[IS03700(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your
key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off
when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
[IS03800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000294-BFile:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Instrumentation
15
*
[IS03850(ALL)04/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS03900(ALL)04/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS04000(ALL)03/96]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
*
[IS04100(ALL)12/95]3.
Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on
checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See
Engine oilin the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, engine damage could result. To ensure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.
*
[IS04200(ALL)12/95]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary to
bring it to the full level before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for
further service actions.
%*
[IS04300(ALL)03/96]
High Beam Light
*
[IS04400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the headlamps are turned to high
beam or when you flash the lights.
[IS04500(ALL)12/95]
If the high beam light flashes in a vehicle equipped with the
Daytime Running Light (DRL) system (Canada), it indicates a
failure in the DRL circuit. Check the bulbs and fuses or have
the DRL system checked by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
File:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Maintenance and Care
199
*
[MC15200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Do not allow flames, sparks or lit
tobacco to come near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide ventilation.
%*
[MC15300(ALL)05/96
]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[MC15400(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.
%*
[MC15500(ALL)02/96
]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
[MC15800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001223-A
Battery recycling symbol
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

216
*
[MC29700(ALL)01/96]
n
Underinflated tires
*
[MC29800(ALL)01/96]
n
Heavy loads
*
[MC29900(ALL)01/96]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
*
[MC30000(ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC30100(ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[MC30200(ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC30300(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC30400(ALL)12/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[MC30500(ALL)12/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC30600(ALL)12/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC30700(ALL)12/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%*
[MC30800(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[MC31000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 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

282
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart......... 223
checking...................... 219
daytime running light system............. 53
dome lamps..................... 54
fog lamps...................... 53
hazard flashers.................. 62,149
headlamps...................... 52
high-mount brakelamp............... 222
instrument panel, dimming.............. 54
interior lamps.................. 52,54
replacing bulbs................... 219
trailer....................... 144
Lap belts........................ 93
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 16
anti-lock brakes (ABS)................. 21
brake........................ 13
charging system................... 14
check engine..................... 18
engine oil pressure.................. 14
high beam...................... 15
low coolant...................... 22
Overdrive off indicator (automatic transaxle only).... ??
safety belt...................... 12
turn signal indicator.................. 19
Load limits...................... 139
GAWR....................... 139
GVWR....................... 139
trailer towing.................... 141
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996