1998 FORD CONTOUR lock

Driving
91 5. Push and hold the thumb button
and move the gearshift.
6. Remove the screwdriver when
the gearshift moves from the P
(Park) position.
Overriding the brake-shift
interlock feature
If it is necessary to use this
procedure to move the gearshift
lever, it is possible that a fuse has
blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps
may not be working. Refer to
Fuses
and relaysin the Roadside
emergencieschapter.
If you cannot move the gearshift
lever from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the ignition key.
2. Apply the parking brake and the
brake pedal.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the
square opening to the right of the
gearshift at the base of the console.
4. Rotate the screwdriver point
rearward.
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 91

Driving
92The console-mounted gearshift will
lock when you turn the key to the
lock position. When the gearshift is
in any position except P (Park),
the ignition key cannot be turned
to lock or removed from the
steering column. To remove the
key, the gearshift lever must be in
P (Park).
Once the gearshift is secure in the
desired position, release the brake
pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
Driving
Never leave a vehicle
unattended while it is
running.
•P(Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents
the front wheels from rotating.
•R(Reverse)
The vehicle only moves backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting in or out of R
(Reverse).P=Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R=Reverse. . . . . . . . . . .
N=Neutral. . . . . . . . . . . .
D=Drive: Gear 1 to 4
with overdrive. . . . . .
Gear 1 to 3
with overdrive
cancelled. . . . . . . . . .
2=Gear 2. . . . . . . . . . . .
1=Gear 1. . . . . . . . . . . .
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 92

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

Driving
96Manual transaxle (if equipped)
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transaxle have a starter interlock
that prevents cranking the engine
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
Using the clutch
When starting a vehicle with a
manual transaxle:
1. Hold down the brake pedal.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Put the gearshift lever in neutral.
4. Start the vehicle.
5. Put the gearshift in 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).
6. Release the clutch slowly while
pressing gradually down on the
accelerator pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the clutch pedal. Do not use the
clutch to hold your vehicle at a
standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions may reduce the
clutch life.
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 96

Roadside emergencies
115
Power distribution box (engine compartment)
RelayCircuits switched
R 1
R 2
R 3
R 4
R 5
R 6
R 7
R 8
R 9
R 10
R 11
D1
Passenger compartment fuse
panel
To check or change a fuse or a
relay, open the fuse box by pulling
down the lock release lever (1).
1
Daytime running lights
Radiator fan relay (high speed)
Air conditioning
Air conditioning clutch relay
Radiator fan relay (low speed)
Starter solenoid
Horn
Electrically operated fuel pump
Low beam headlamps
High beam headlamps
EEC module
Reverse voltage protection
CDW IVC1-6Roads en C 5/15/97 8:53 PM Page 115

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
118
Fuse rating
7.5 amp
10 amp
15 amp
20 amp
30 amp
30 amp fuse link
40 amp
60 amp fuse link
80 amp fuse link
100 amp fuse linkColor
brown
red
blue
yellow
light green
pink
green
yellow
black
blue
Relay
R 18
R 20
R 21
R 22
R 23
R 24
R 25
R 26“One touch” switch
(driver’s window)
Not used
Not used
Foglamps
Turn signals
Panic alarm –
driver’s side
Panic alarm –
right-hand side
Not usedDriver’s door
—
—
Module bracket
Steering column
Door lock module bracket
Door lock module bracket
—
Circuits switchedLocation Standard fuse amperage ratings
and colors
3 ampviolet
Auxiliary relays (outside of fuse boxes)
CDW IVC1-6Roads en C 5/15/97 8:53 PM Page 118

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