1999 FORD CONTOUR Owners Manual

1
Contents
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 20
Seating and safety restraints 72
Starting and driving
Starting 104
Driving 112
Roadside emergencies 137
Servicing
Maintenance and care 158
Capacities and specifications 217
Customer assistance 223
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 235
Index 236
11CCoen 3/25/99 1:17 PM Page 2

Introduction
2
ICONS
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
1 600 km (1 000 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 ownerÕs guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
11CIten 3/25/99 1:19 PM Page 2

Introduction
3
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE
The information found in this guide
was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
If possible, you should avoid hard
braking for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
From 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
onwards, you can gradually
increase the performance of your
vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speeds.
11CIten 3/25/99 1:19 PM Page 3

Instrumentation
Page 55
Turn signal/high beam
Page 6
Instrument clusterPage 54
Hazard flasher
control
Page 56
Windshield
wiper/washer
control
Page 162
Hood release
Page 20, 21
Headlamp control/
Foglamp control*Page 53
Tilt steering
wheel leverPage 52
Ignition switch
Page 57
Speed control*
Page 54
Horn Page 22
Traction control*
Page 23
Power Mirrors*
Page 22
Rear window
defroster control*
TRACTION
CONTROLCHECK
ENGINEO/D
OFF
Res
Set
Acc
CoastOff
On
EF

000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
10 0
110
120
13 0MPH
20 406055
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
20012
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
MIRRORS
BRAKE
CH
4
12CInen 3/25/99 1:24 PM Page 4

5
Instrumentation
Page 23
Instrument panel dimmer
switch
On various models, the
appearance and location of
some items may differ from
those shown here. However,
the page references given
still apply.
OFF LO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK 31245ANSSIDE 1-2EJECTVOLUMECLOCK
Page 24
Climate control system
Page 32
Electronic sound system Page 70
Anti-theft system status
indicator*
*if equipped
12CInen 3/25/99 1:24 PM Page 5

Instrumentation
6
Turn 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
13 0
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
20010 0
EF
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINEO/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
CH
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
13 0
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
20010 0
EF12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Alternative design
12CInen 3/25/99 1:24 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
Air bag secondary warning
Flashes periodically when there is
a malfunction with the air bag
system.
For more information, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
12CInen 3/25/99 1:24 PM Page 7

Instrumentation
8Traction control system light
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the
traction control system has been
disengaged. It may flash on and off
while driving to indicate the system
is operating.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
13 0
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
20010 0
EF
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
13 0
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
20010 0
EF12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
O/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
CH
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
12CInen 3/25/99 1:24 PM Page 8