1998 FORD CONTOUR trailer

Driving
100
GCW(Gross Combined Weight)
The GCW is the maximum
combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) and the loaded trailer. The
GCW is specified by the
manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight
that the vehicle is designed to tow. GAWR(Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
Carrying capacity for each axle
system (front and rear). The
GAWR is specific to each vehicle
and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on
the driver’s door pillar. GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
Maximum total weight of the base
vehicle, passengers, optional
equipment and cargo. The GVWR is
specific to each vehicle and is listed
on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the driver’s
door pillar.
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Driving
103 TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a
trailer of up to a maximum of
454kg (1000 lbs) gross trailer
weight with a maximum tongue
load of 45kg (100 lbs). It should
also have 2.3sq. meters (25sq.
feet) or less frontal area. Do not
drive faster than 72km/h (45mph)
while towing a 454kg (1000lb)
trailer.
Your vehicle does not come from
the factory fully equipped to tow.
No towing packages are available
through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension.
For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use
the proper equipment while
towing.
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Driving
104Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load
limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle
for towing. Refer to Preparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving
while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving while towing a trailer
in this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty schedule
in the ”Service Guide”.
•Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800km (500miles).
•Refer to the instructions included
with towing accessories for the
proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
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Driving
105 Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for
towing a trailer and make sure that
it is properly attached to your
vehicle. See your dealer or a
reliable trailer retailer if you
require assistance.
Auxiliary coolers are recommended
for the power steering system and
automatic transaxle system if you
are planning on:
•Traveling farther than 80 km
(50miles).
•Towing in hilly terrain.
•Towing frequently.
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transaxle
damage, structural damage, loss of
control, and personal injury.
Do not exceed the maximum loads
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load
specification terms found on the
label, refer to Loading your
vehiclein this chapter. Remember
to figure in the tongue load of your
loaded vehicle when figuring the
total weight.
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Driving
106Using a hitch
Do not use hitches that:
•Clamp onto the vehicle bumper.
•Attach to the axle.
Distribute the load so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue. Tie down
the load so that it does not shift
and change weight on the hitch.
Follow the instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
Using trailer lamps
See your local trailer retailer or
rental agency for proper
instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Do not hook the trailer lamps
directly into the vehicle’s wiring
system. If the trailer lamps are not
working properly, the warning
lights in the instrument cluster may
not work properly.
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Driving
107 Using trailer brakes
Use electric brakes or manual,
automatic or surge type hydraulic
brakes that meet Federal and local
regulations. Install and adjust
brakes according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Using safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety
chains to the vehicle. To connect
the chains, cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and attach to the
vehicle frame or hook retainers
(not the bumper). Make sure there
is enough slack to allow the vehicle
to turn corners.
Do not connect a trailer’s
hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your
chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
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Driving
108Driving while towing a trailer
Do not drive faster than 72km/h
(45mph) while towing a 454 kg
(1000lb) trailer. Do not drive
faster than 72km/h (45mph) with
any weight trailer while towing in
hilly terrain or on hot days.
Speed control (if equipped) may
not work properly while towing on
long, steep grades.
If driving with an automatic
transaxle:
•Use D (Drive) or a low gear
rather than D (Overdrive) while
towing up or down steep inclines.
•Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
If driving with a manual transaxle:
•Select a gear that avoids jerking
or excessive engine speed.
•Avoid driving excessively in first
or second gear. If you need to
drive excessively in first or
second gear, the trailer may be
too big or too heavily loaded for
the vehicle drivetrain.
•Shift to a lower gear while towing
up or down steep hills.
•Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
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Maintenance and care
1366. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is beyond
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Continuous contact with
used motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer to Checking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the
normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level.
Make
sure the oil level is not above
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
Change your engine oil and oil filter
according to these mileage and
time requirements, whichever
occurs first.5 000 miles (8 000 km)
or 6 months
Normal schedule
3 000 miles (5 000 km)
or 3 months
Severe duty schedule:
•Extensive idling
•Trailer towing
•Driving in severe dust
•Police, taxi, or delivery service
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