1997 FORD CONTOUR stop start

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

30
*
[AS06150(ALL)05/95]
Ford Compact Disc Player
*
[AS06200(ALL)03/95]
The Ford Compact Disc Player operates when the Audio System
is on and a disc is inserted (label side up). Handle the disc by
its edge only. (Be sure to read and follow all of the care and
cleaning instructions underHow To Take Care of and Clean Your
CD Player and Discsin this section.)
*
[AS06300(ALL)06/95]
The digital display on your CD player shows the track
(selection) number and the elapsed time. Indicators for play
a,
stop
X, compression on (ªCOMPº) and shuffle on (ªSHUFº) are
also in the display. (These features are described later.)
*
[AS07300(ALL)10/95]
Once a disc is inserted, operation of the CD player will override
that of the radio.
*
[AS07400(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The volume, bass, treble, balance and fader controls
on the radio are also used with the CD player. Refer
to earlier operating instructions on these controls.
*
[AS07500(ALL)04/96]
How to insert a disc and begin play
*
[AS07550(ALL)10/95]
Insert one disc,label side upinto the disc opening. When
inserted, the disc automatically loads into the unit and play
starts at the beginning of the first track (selection).
*
[AS07600(ALL)04/96]
When the disc reaches the end, the disc player automatically
returns to the beginning of the disc and resumes playing.
[AS07650(ALL)04/96]
NOTE: Once a disc is inserted, the disc opening is secured to
prevent the accidental insertion of a second disc.
*
[AS07700(ALL)10/95]
NOTE: The CD player has heat protection circuitry to protect
the laser diode. If the temperature of the player
reaches167ÊF (75ÊC), theheat detection circuit will
shut off the player and ªTOO HOTº will scroll in the
display for approximately five seconds (radio will
resume playing). When the temperature returns to
normal operating range, the CD player will again be
operational.
File:04cdaso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:59:17 1996

Electronic Sound Systems
31
*
[AS07750(ALL)10/95]
How to stop and restart the CD player
*
[AS07800(ALL)02/96]
When a disc is loaded, the unit automatically enters the play
mode and the play indicator (
a) illuminates. To stop
temporarily, press the ªPLAY/STOPº button or the ªAM/FMº
button. The stop indicator (
X) in the display illuminates and
operation returns to the radio mode. To resume CD play, press
the ªPLAY/STOPº button once again.
*
[AS07850(ALL)10/95]
NOTE: If the ignition key is turned OFF during play and
then is set to the ON or ACCESSORY position, the
CD player will resume playing in the mode it was in
when ignition was turned off.
*
[AS07860(ALL)03/95]
How to locate a selection on your CD player using
Automatic Music Search (AMS)
*
[AS07880(ALL)06/95]
An ªAMSº (Automatic Music Search) control on your CD player
allows you to quickly find a particular selection on the disc.
Press the left
fside of the ªAMSº control to locate a
previous selection or the right
eside of the ªAMSº control
to locate a later selection.
*
[AS07900(ALL)10/95]
How to fast forward or reverse your CD player
[AS07950(ALL)05/95]
To quickly search for a particular point in a selection, press the
right
ebutton (to fast forward) or the left
fbutton (to
reverse). While either button is pressed, the disc goes forward
or backward at two different speeds depending on how long the
button is held down. (Pressing either button for more than
approximately three seconds will speed up the process.) Release
the button at the desired point (found by watching the elapsed
playing time in the display or listening to the sound during fast
forward or reverse).
*
[AS08000(ALL)06/95]
When you have reached the end of the disc by keeping the fast
forward
eside of the button pressed, the display will show
the end time of the last track and the sound will be muted.
When the fast forward
eside of the button is released, the
player resumes play at the beginning of the first track.
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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

Starting
123
*
[TO06000(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[TO06100(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO06200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO06300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
*
[TO06400(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked
whenever:
*
[TO06500(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO06600(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO06700(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[TO06900(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
[TO07000(ALL)12/95]
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on medium or high with
the function control knob turned to FLR, PNL/FLR or PANEL.
[TO07100(ALL)12/95]
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on medium or
high with the A/C button pressed. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
File:08cdtoo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

126
*
[GF01400(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal; you
will wear out the linings and increase your vehicle's stopping
distance. Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur.
*
[GF01500(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF01600(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[GF01700(ALL)01/96]
Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped)
*
[GF01800(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may come with the optional anti-lock brake
system. Whenever your wheels start to lock (which could result
in a skid) the anti-lock brake system prevents the lock-up by
automatically releasing and re-applying the brakes. The brake
pedal will pulsate as a result of the automatic releasing and
re-applying of the brakes. In spite of this improvement in
braking performance, you should continue to be cautious in all
hazardous driving situations, especially when driving on
hazardous road surfaces. Even with your anti-lock brake system,
you may not have total control of your vehicle when braking on
roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, holes in the
pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
*
[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is driven over
uneven road surfaces, the ABS may cycle and the driver may
sense a pulsation in the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight
up and down movement of the pedal height and a clicking
sound. This may also happen when driving on an inclined
surface such as a driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
135
*
[GF07500(ALL)03/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07600(ALL)12/95]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[GF07700(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07900(ALL)12/95]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[GF08000(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to D
(Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[GF08100(ALL)03/96]
P (Park)
*
[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
*
[GF08300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
*
[GF08400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

136
[GF08500(ALL)12/95]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
%*
[GF08600(ALL)01/96]
Driving with a Manual Transaxle
%*
[GF08700(ALL)01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF08800(ALL)12/95]
In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the
vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set.
[GF08900(ALL)12/95]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds. Then,
hold your right foot on the brake pedal and release the parking
brake. With the clutch pedal depressed to the floor with your
left foot, move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
[GF09000(ALL)12/95]
To move the vehicle, take your right foot off the brake pedal
and then slowly release the clutch pedal. (You may need to
press down slowly on the accelerator at the same time that you
release the clutch pedal.)
*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
[GF09200(ALL)12/95]
Idling the Vehicle
[GF09300(ALL)12/95]
When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running, DO
NOT rest your hand on or apply any pressure to gearshift lever
when the clutch pedal is not depressed. This may result in
erratic engine operation.
%*
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
Shifting the Gears
*
[GF09500(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted on the floor.
The gearshift can be in one of seven possible positions, as
shown.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996