1998 FORD CONTOUR maintenance

Contents
1
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 17
Seating and safety restraints 47
Starting and driving
Starting 79
Driving 87
Roadside emergencies 110
Servicing
Maintenance and care 128
Capacities and specifications 186
Reporting safety defects (U. S. only) 192
Index 193
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Instrumentation
8Low coolant (if equipped)
Briely illuminates when the ignition
is turned on and the engine is off.
Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
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80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
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EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
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UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
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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
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Instrumentation
15
NORMALEngine coolant temperature
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the NORMAL area.
If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Switch off
the ignition and determine the
source of the problem. Refer to
Checking and adding engine
coolant in the Maintenance and
care chapter.
Speedometer
Indicates the current vehicle
speed.
Odometer
Registers the total mileage of the
vehicle.
Trip odometer
The trip odometer can register the
mileage of individual journeys. To
reset, depress the button.
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Speedometer
Odometer
Trip odometerReset button
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Controls and features
26
Using the FLR/DEF mode
The floor/defrost mode directs
outside air to flow through the floor
vents and windshield defroster
vents. The A/C compressor (if
equipped) will function to
dehumidify the windows provided
the outside temperature is above
10°C (50°F).
OFF LOPNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
Using the DEF mode
In addition to defogging and
demisting the front windshield, the
defrost mode of your vehicle also
has the capability to demist the
front side windows. The A/C
compressor (if equipped) will
function to dehumidify the
windows provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
OFF LOPNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
Passenger compartment air
filter
Your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter that removes pollen and road
dust from outside air before it is
directed to the interior of the
vehicle. Refer to the
Maintenance
and carechapter for maintenance
of this filter.
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Controls and features
46Key coding
Replacement keys or a maximum of
15duplicate keys can be coded.
To program a key, cycle ignition
switch from (3) to (1) with a
programmed key. Within five
seconds of this cycle, insert a new
PATS key into ignition and turn to
(3) or (4). If successful, the theft
warning indicator will glow for two
seconds, and the vehicle can be
started. Repeat until all chosen
keys have been programmed.
The control light illuminates to
indicate a successful programming
operation.
Repeat the procedure to program
additional keys.
Your dealer can also delete keys
already programmed.
The system is maintenance free.
If keys become lost, you must have
your dealer clear and reprogram
the code for security reasons.
3
4
21
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Seating and safety restraints
62Determining if the system is
operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in
the instrument cluster or a chime
to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer to the Air bag
readinesssection in the
Instrumentationchapter. Routine
maintenance of the air bag is not
required.
A difficulty with the system is
indicated by one or more of the
following:
•The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not
illuminate after ignition is turned
on.
•A group of five beeps will be
heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the SRS
serviced at your dealership or by a
qualified technician immediately.
Unless serviced, the system may
not function properly in the event
of a collision.
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
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
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87
Driving
BRAKES
Your brakes are self-adjusting.
Refer to the “Service Guide” for
maintenance intervals.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
(if equipped)
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lock up during
brake applications and
compensating for this tendency.
The wheels are prevented from
locking even when the brakes are
firmly applied, helping to ensure
that the vehicle can be steered and
the driver can avoid obstacles.
Operation of the anti-lock
braking system
The anti-lock braking system is not
employed during normal braking. It
becomes operational only when it
senses differences in the rotational
speed of the road wheels,
indicating that they are about to
lock up. Its operation is indicated
by a pulsing of the brake pedal.
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