1998 FORD CONTOUR towing

Driving
100
GCW(Gross Combined Weight)
The GCW is the maximum
combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) and the loaded trailer. The
GCW is specified by the
manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight
that the vehicle is designed to tow. GAWR(Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
Carrying capacity for each axle
system (front and rear). The
GAWR is specific to each vehicle
and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on
the driver’s door pillar. GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
Maximum total weight of the base
vehicle, passengers, optional
equipment and cargo. The GVWR is
specific to each vehicle and is listed
on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver’s
door pillar.
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Driving
103 TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a
trailer of up to a maximum of
454kg (1000 lbs) gross trailer
weight with a maximum tongue
load of 45kg (100 lbs). It should
also have 2.3sq. meters (25sq.
feet) or less frontal area. Do not
drive faster than 72km/h (45mph)
while towing a 454kg (1000lb)
trailer.
Your vehicle does not come from
the factory fully equipped to tow.
No towing packages are available
through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension.
For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use
the proper equipment while
towing.
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Driving
104Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load
limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle
for towing. Refer to Preparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving
while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving while towing a trailer
in this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty schedule
in the ”Service Guide”.
•Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800km (500miles).
•Refer to the instructions included
with towing accessories for the
proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
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Driving
105 Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for
towing a trailer and make sure that
it is properly attached to your
vehicle. See your dealer or a
reliable trailer retailer if you
require assistance.
Auxiliary coolers are recommended
for the power steering system and
automatic transaxle system if you
are planning on:
•Traveling farther than 80 km
(50miles).
•Towing in hilly terrain.
•Towing frequently.
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.
Do not exceed the maximum loads
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load
specification terms found on the
label, refer to Loading your
vehiclein this chapter. Remember
to figure in the tongue load of your
loaded vehicle when figuring the
total weight.
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Driving
108Driving while towing a trailer
Do not drive faster than 72km/h
(45mph) while towing a 454 kg
(1000lb) trailer. Do not drive
faster than 72km/h (45mph) with
any weight trailer while towing in
hilly terrain or on hot days.
Speed control (if equipped) may
not work properly while towing on
long, steep grades.
If driving with an automatic
transaxle:
•Use D (Drive) or a low gear
rather than D (Overdrive) while
towing up or down steep inclines.
•Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
If driving with a manual transaxle:
•Select a gear that avoids jerking
or excessive engine speed.
•Avoid driving excessively in first
or second gear. If you need to
drive excessively in first or
second gear, the trailer may be
too big or too heavily loaded for
the vehicle drivetrain.
•Shift to a lower gear while towing
up or down steep hills.
•Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
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Roadside emergencies
111
If your engine cranks but does not
start after a collision or substantial
jolt:
1. Turn the ignition key to the off
position.
2. Check under the vehicle for
leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel,
push the red reset button down. If
the button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical
problem.
4. Turn the ignition key to the on
position for a few seconds, then
turn it to the off position.
5. Check under the vehicle again
for leaking fuel. If you see or smell
fuel, do not start your vehicle
again. If you do not see or smell
fuel, you can try to start your
vehicle again.
If you see or smell fuel, do
not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the
passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department
or a towing service.
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Roadside emergencies
127 If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook or slingbelt
towing procedure.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Before you have your vehicle
towed:
•release the parking brake,
•move the gearshift to N
(Neutral),
•turn the ignition to the off
position and
•unlock the steering wheel.
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 55 km/h (35 mph) or
for a distance greater than 80 km
(55 miles) unless the drive wheels
are placed on dollies. WRECKER TOWING
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Maintenance and care
1366. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is beyond
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Continuous contact with
used motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer to Checking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the
normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level.
Make
sure the oil level is not above
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
Change your engine oil and oil filter
according to these mileage and
time requirements, whichever
occurs first.5 000 miles (8 000 km)
or 6 months
Normal schedule
3 000 miles (5 000 km)
or 3 months
Severe duty schedule:
•Extensive idling
•Trailer towing
•Driving in severe dust
•Police, taxi, or delivery service
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