1998 FORD CONTOUR brake light

Starting
843. Turn the key to the onposition
(without turning the key to start).
Make sure the following lights
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
BRAKE
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
•If the driver’s safety belt is
fastened the warning light does
not illuminate.Alternative design
Alternative design
CDW IVA1_2 Starting en C 5/15/97 8:50 PM Page 84

Driving
93 •D (Overdrive)
Note that the vehicle’s gearshift is
console-mounted on the floor. The
transaxle control switch (TCS) is
located on the gearshift handle.
The transaxle control indicator
light (O/D light) is located on the
instrument panel.
Overdrive is not shown on the
display, but is the default mode for
the D gearshift position. This is the
normal driving mode for the best
fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
The O/D light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transaxle control
switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. •N(Neutral)
The wheels of the transaxle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely,
even on the slightest incline, unless
the parking brake or brakes are on.
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 93

Roadside emergencies
117
Passenger compartment fuse panel (below instrument panel)
FuseAmpere
ratingColorCircuits protected
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38—
C10
40
7.5
15
15
20
7.5
15
30
30
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
10
30
——
black
orange
brown
light blue
light blue
yellow
brown
light blue
light green
light green
brown
brown
brown
brown
brown
brown
red
light green
–Not used
Wiper motors (circuit breaker)
Power windows
ABS module
Backup lamps
Brake lamps
Door locks
Main light
Cigar lighter
Electric seats
Rear window defrost
Engine management system
Instrument panel illumination
Radio
Parking lamps - driver’s side
Interior lighting/electric mirror
adjustment/clock
Parking lamps - passenger’s side
Air bag
Heater blower motor
Not used
CDW IVC1-6Roads en C 5/15/97 8:53 PM Page 117

Roadside emergencies
119
CHANGING TIRES
Park your vehicle in such a position
that neither the traffic nor you are
hindered or endangered when
changing the tire. Ensure that the
vehicle is on firm, level ground. If
necessary, secure your vehicle
further by blocking the wheels with
chocks.
Activate the hazard lights.
Apply the parking brake and
engage first or reverse gear or, if
the vehicle has an automatic
transaxle, select the P (Park)
position.
If parking on a slope is unavoidable,
secure the wheels with suitable
chocks.
CDW IVC1-6Roads en C 5/15/97 8:54 PM Page 119

Roadside emergencies
122
Removing a tire
1. Apply the parking brake and 1
(first) gear (manual transaxle) or
the P (Park) position (automatic
transaxle).
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. The driver and all passengers
must leave the vehicle.
4. Secure the vehicle against rolling
or sliding.
5. Insert the tapered end of the
jack handle between the rim and
hub cover and push in. Twist off to
remove the cover.
6. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.
Tire changing procedure
7. Place jack with complete support
surface on the ground.
8. The jack must be applied exactly
vertical to the jacking point of the
vehicle.
9. Jack up the vehicle until the tire
is clear of the ground. Unscrew and
remove the wheel nuts and remove
the wheel.
CDW IVC1-6Roads en C 5/15/97 8:54 PM Page 122

Maintenance and care
138Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
Brake and clutch fluid systems are
supplied from the same reservoir.
The level of the fluid must lie
between the MIN and MAX marks
on the side of the reservoir. If the
level falls below the MIN mark, the
brake fluid level warning light on
the instrument panel will
illuminate. Add only brake fluid
that meets the Ford specification
(see the chapter Capacities and
specifications).
MAX
MIN
Brake fluid is toxic.
BRAKE
BRAKE
If you use a brake fluid that
is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
Windshield washer system
If necessary, add enough washer
fluid to fill the reservoir. Follow the
instructions on the washer fluid
label.
Alternative design
Do not put engine coolant in
the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 138

Maintenance and care
167
BRAKE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
If you notice one or more of the
following, the emission system may
not be functioning properly; have
the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible:
•Fluid leaks.
•The charging system, engine oil
pressure or low coolant warning
lights illuminate in the
instrument cluster and remain lit.
•Strange odors.
•Engine runs for more than five
seconds after shut off or engine
misfires, surges, stalls or
backfires.
•Loss of oil pressure.Alternative design Alternative design
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 167

Maintenance and care
174
High-mounted brake lamp
Enter the rear seat compartment.
Unscrew both screws and remove
the complete lamp assembly. Bend
the housing outwards to unclip the
lamp module. Press the reflector
fitting from the four locking points
and pull it off. Pull out the wedge
base bulb and replace.
To install, fit the new bulb in
reverse sequence.
On vehicles equipped with a rear
spoiler, the high-mounted brake
lamp is included in the spoiler.
Luggage compartment lamp
Pry out the light assembly from the
holder with a flat screwdriver. Turn
the spherical bulb under slight
pressure counterclockwise and
remove.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:56 PM Page 174