1997 FORD CONTOUR open hood

180
%*
[MC03100(ALL)02/96
]
Opening the Hood
%*
[MC03200(ALL)02/96
]1.
Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located
under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel.
[MC03300(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0000375-K
The hood release under the instrument panel
%*
[MC03400(ALL)02/96
]2.
Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch
that is located under the hood at the center of the vehicle.
[MC03500(O )12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001476-A
The auxiliary latch under the front edge of the hood
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
181
[MC03700(ALL)12/95]3.
Lift the hood and secure it in the open position with the
prop rod. Make sure only the hole in the hood marked in
yellow is used.
[MC03800(ALL)12/95]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop rod is in its
retainer and that the hood latches securely.
*
[MC03900(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-month
intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-free
operation.
*
[MC04000(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Read and understandPrecautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter before
opening the hood.
%*
[MC04100(ALL)03/96]
Engine Compartment
[MC04200(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle has a 4-cylinder 2.0L EFI or 6-cylinder 2.5L EFI
engine.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
185
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC05600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1
(First) (manual transaxle).
*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[MC06200(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001305-A
Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine)
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
201
[MC16600(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0001242-A
The screws on the grille
[MC16700(ALL)12/95]2.
Remove the plastic caps from the screws on the grille.
Remove the screws.
[MC16800(ALL)12/95]3.
Open the hood. Pull off the rubber weatherstrip at the back
of the engine compartment. Remove the screws that hold the
grille, separate the two halves and remove the grille.
[MC16900(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001243-A
Removing the grille
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

284
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system......... 81
Parking brake..................... 128
operation...................... 128
warning light..................... 13
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 229
PCV valve, specifications................ 229
Power door locks.................... 72
Power features
antenna....................... 44
door locks...................... 72
mirrors........................ 74
moon roof...................... 67
seats......................... 85
windows....................... 73
Power steering
dipstick...................... 194
driving with power steering............. 130
fluid, checking and adding.............. 194
fluid, refill capacity................. 230
fluid, specifications................. 231
Prop rod, hood.................... 180
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems)........... 23
Rear window...................... 73
Refill capacities for fluids............... 230
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.............. 235
Remote entry system.................. 79
locking/unlocking doors................ 80
opening the trunk................... 80
panic alarm..................... 81
replacement/additional transmitters........... 82
replacing the batteries................. 81
Reporting safety defects................ 235
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996