1998 FORD CONTOUR clutch

Controls and features
40Fuel pump shut-off switch
For information on the fuel pump
shut-off switch, refer to Fuel
pump shut-off switch in the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
Positive retention floor mat
(if equipped)
(Standard in Canada)
Position the floor mat in the
footwell. Place the mat eyelet over
the pointed end of the retention
post from the rear and rotate
forward to install. Adjust the floor
mat position to allow proper
operation of accelerator pedal,
brake pedal and clutch pedal (if
equipped).
To remove, lift the floor mat just
forward of the retention post and
rotate it rearward to disengage it
from the retention post.
CDW IIIC3Controls en C 5/15/97 8:45 PM Page 40

Starting
83 If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transaxle:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Push the clutch pedal to the floor
otherwise the engine will not
crank (turn over).
•Put the gearshift into neutral.
CDW IVA1_2 Starting en C 5/15/97 8:50 PM Page 83

88
Two important
rules when
braking in
emergencies with
ABS:
1.
Apply full force
on both brake
and clutch pedal
(if equipped).
Braking with ABS
•In an emergency, apply full force
on the brake pedal. In vehicles
with manual transaxles, you must
also depress the clutch pedal.
The anti-lock braking system will
be activated immediately,
allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle
and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid
obstacles.
•We recommend that you
familiarize yourself with this
braking technique. However,
avoid taking any unnecessary
risks.
2.
Steer around the
obstacle. No matter
how hard you brake,
steering control is
maintained.
Driving
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 88

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

Driving
98
Parking
1. Apply the brake and the clutch
and shift into neutral.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Shift into 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).
4. Turn the ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in
Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
Use 1 (first) gear and set the
parking brake.
Reverse
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Completely stop your vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal to the
floor and place the gearshift lever
in the neutral position. Do not
release the clutch pedal.
3. If the following direction is not
followed, a grinding noise may
occur.
Wait a miminum of three seconds
before attempting to shift into R
(Reverse) gear.
4. Push the gearshift lever
completely to the right, pull up the
ring on the stalk of the gearshift
lever, and then pull rearward on
the gearshift lever to engage the R
(Reverse) gear.
5. If the R (Reverse) gear is
engaged, slowly release the clutch
pedal from the floor.
1
2
CDW IVB1-10Driving en C 5/15/97 8:52 PM Page 98

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

Maintenance and care
130Working with engine off
(automatic transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with engine off
(manual transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (first) or R (Reverse).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:55 PM Page 130

Maintenance and care
131 Working with engine on
(automatic transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
Working with engine on
(manual transaxle)
1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
CDW VA1-19Maint en C 5/15/97 8:55 PM Page 131