1997 FORD CONTOUR weight

102
%*
[SS14200(ALL)01/96]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SS14300(ALL)01/96]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight
of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing and using the safety seat.
*
[SS14400(ALL)01/96]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top
tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position
which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps seeAttaching Safety Seats With
Tether Strapsin this chapter.
*
[SS14500(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag.
Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye.
Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must
never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air
bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit
with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most
rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or
infant seats.
%*
[SS14600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats move the
passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as
possible. Never secure rear-facing infant seats in the front
seat.
[SS14700(ALL)12/95]
THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING PASSENGER AIR
BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT
AGAINST THE VEHICLE SEATBACK, ARMRESTS OR
CONSOLE. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS
BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT. Failure to follow these
instructions could result in serious injury.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

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

140
*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
%*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
[GF12100(ALL)12/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the
maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label attached to the left front door pillar or the left front door
lock facing.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the weights of:
*
[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
n
the driver and passengers
*
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
n
luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle
*
[GF12500(ALL)12/95]
n
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
n
the weight of any equipment that has been added to your
vehicle since it was delivered to your dealer
*
[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
If you do not know the actual weights of these items, use the
following procedure to figure the weight of a load:
*
[GF12800(ALL)01/96]1.
Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers and
luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company
or an inspection station for trucks.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]2.
Then weigh your vehicle with the driver, passengers and
luggage.
*
[GF13000(ALL)01/96]3.
Subtract the first reading from the second to figure the total
weight of the load.
*
[GF13100(ALL)11/92]
After determining this load, you must also make sure that the
total weight of your vehicle, plus the load it carries, is less than
its GVWR. Also, make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
141
*
[GF13200(ALL)12/95]
You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or the door
latch post pillar.
*
[GF13300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds the GAWR for
either axle, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF13400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying
weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal
can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
%*
[GF13500(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing
[GF13600(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum
of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum
tongue load of 100 lbs (45 kg). It should also have 25 sq. ft. (2.3
sq. meters) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) while towing a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) trailer.
*
[GF13700(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to
tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
*
[GF13800(ALL)12/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you
must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of
your vehicle:
*
[GF13900(ALL)12/95]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow. (SeeKnowing Your
Vehicle's Load Limits.)
*
[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF14100(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

142
*
[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[GF14300(ALL)12/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the
tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of
the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[GF14400(ALL)12/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
*
[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[GF14600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
*
[GF14700(ALL)12/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
*
[GF14800(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[GF15000(ALL)12/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The
bumper is not designed to bear the load.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
143
%*
[GF15100(ALL)12/95]
Using the hitch
*
[GF15200(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle uses a load carrying hitch. Because this type of
hitch places the tongue load of a trailer on the rear wheels of
your vehicle, you must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
*
[GF15300(ALL)12/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the
weight on the hitch. This will prevent damage to your vehicle
and make your vehicle easier to handle.
%*
[GF15400(ALL)12/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[GF15500(ALL)12/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your vehicle. They
help protect your trailer if the hitch breaks.
*
[GF15600(ALL)12/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[GF15700(ALL)12/95]1.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to
your vehicle's frame or hook retainers. Never attach the
safety chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not
designed to bear the weight of a trailer.
*
[GF15800(ALL)12/95]2.
Make sure that you leave enough slack in the chains to
allow you to turn corners.
*
[GF15900(ALL)12/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental
agency gives you.
%*
[GF16000(ALL)12/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[GF16100(ALL)12/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic
brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that your
trailer's brakes meet local and federal regulations.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Accessories
249
*
[AC00600(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment, passengers, and
luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total
weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear
axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer
for specific weight information.
*
[AC00700(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or
the Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) regulates the use of mobile communications
systems Ð such as two-way radios, telephones, and
theft alarms Ð that are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment installed in your
vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC regulations
and should be installed only by a qualified technician.
*
[AC00800(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Mobile communications systems may harm the
operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are not
properly designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when operated, such
systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In
addition, such systems may themselves be damaged or
their operation affected by operating your vehicle.
(Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power output is 5 watts
or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
*
[AC00900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Because we have no control over the installation,
design, or manufacture of such systems, Ford cannot
assume responsibility for any adverse effects or
damage that may result if you use this equipment.
File:15cdaco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:09:27 1996

279
Index
Fuel filter, specifications................ 229
Fuel gauge....................... 19
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start................ 149
starting after a collision............... 149
Fuse panels, instrument panel.............. 156
Fuses
charts....................... 158
checking and replacing............... 159
circuit breakers................... 160
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap)................. 209
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)............ 215
Gasoline (see Fuel)................... 209
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge........... 19
fuel gauge...................... 19
odometer....................... 21
speedometer..................... 20
tachometer...................... 21
trip odometer..................... 21
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 140
definition...................... 139
driving with a heavy load.............. 139
location...................... 139
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996