1998 FORD CONTOUR warning

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
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

Instrumentation
13
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is open.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
off/lock or accessory position and
the driver’s door is open.
Air bag supplemental restraint
system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 13

Controls and features
27 STEERING COLUMN
CONTROLS
Ignition
1. Ignition off, steering wheel
locked.
On vehicles with automatic
transaxles, the ignition key can
return to this position only if the
gearshift lever is in P (Park).
2. The accessory position. Steering
unlocked, radio operational.
Ignition and all main electrical
circuits are disabled.
The ignition key should not be left
in this position for too long to avoid
discharging the battery
unnecessarily.
3. Ignition switched on, all
electrical circuits operational.
Warning and indicator lights
illuminate. This key position is for
normal driving.
4. Starter motor activated. Release
the key as soon as the engine
starts.
3
4
21
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
100
110
120
130MPH20 406055
80120 100
140
160
180
200EF 1
/
2UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMALBRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
IRRORS
CDW IIIC3Controls en C 5/15/97 8:44 PM Page 27

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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