1998 FORD CONTOUR light

Introduction
2ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on
Warnings for
a full explanation.
Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps toward this
aim.
BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too fast during the first
1600 km (1000 miles). Vary
speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle and its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
CDW II_A1_en C 5/15/97 8:41 PM Page 2

Instrumentation
6Turn signal
Flashes when the left or right turn
signal or hazard lights are
activated. There are two different instrument
cluster designs. The individual
warning and indicator lights are
described on the following pages.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINETRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Alternative design
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 6

Instrumentation
7 High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on. Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when the battery is not charging
properly and the vehicle may
require electrical system service.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten
the safety belts. For more
information, refer to
Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
Alternative design
Alternative design
Alternative design
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 7

Instrumentation
10
CHECK
ENGINEAir bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately.
CHECK
ENGINE
Front foglamps
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamps controlin the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 10

Instrumentation
11 Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illuminates after
releasing the parking brake to
indicate low brake fluid level.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design
BRAKE
BRAKE
Engine oil pressure
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when engine oil pressure has been
lost. Refer to the Maintenance
and carechapter to check the
engine oil level as soon as possible.
If the engine oil level is correct and
the light stays on, see your dealer
or qualified service technician. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light stays on or
continues to flash, the ABSneeds
to be serviced.
BRAKE
BRAKE
Alternative design Alternative design
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 11

Instrumentation
12
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
Testing the warning and
indicator lights and chimes
Turn the ignition key to the on
position without starting the
engine. The following warning and
indicator lights will illuminate
briefly: charging system, safety belt
(does not illuminate, if the driver’s
safety belt is fastened), low
coolant, low fuel, engine oil
pressure, check engine and air bag
readiness.
If any of these lights do not
illuminate, see your dealer or
qualified service technician.
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 12

Controls and features
18Daytime running lights (DRL)
(Canadian vehicles only)
The DRL system turns on the
highbeam headlamps, with a
reduced light output, when:
•the vehicle is running and the
ignition is in the on position,
•the vehicle has a fully released
parking brake, and
•the headlamp system is in the off
position.
The daytime running light
(DRL) system will not
illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do
so may result in a collision.
Foglamp control (if equipped)
Pull out the control while the
headlamps are on to turn the
foglamps on.
Push in the control to deactivate
the foglamps.
CDW IIIC3Controls en C 5/15/97 8:44 PM Page 18

Controls and features
19 Panel dimmer control
Adjust the control to vary the
intensity of the panel lighting.
Operates only when the exterior
lights are switched on.
Rear window defroster
(if equipped)
Press the defroster control to clear
the rear window of thin ice and fog.
The ignition must be in the on
position to operate the rear
window defroster.
The defroster turns off
automatically after 10 minutes or
when the ignition is turned to the
off position. To manually turn off
the defroster, push the control
again.
CDW IIIC3Controls en C 5/15/97 8:44 PM Page 19