1999 FORD CONTOUR brake

Driving
134
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
manufacturerÕs instructions.
Using safety chains
Always connect the trailerÕs 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 trailerÕs
hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicleÕs brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your
chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 134

Driving
135
Driving while towing a trailer
Do not drive faster than 72 km/h
(45 mph) while towing a 454 kg
(1 000 lb) trailer. Do not drive
faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) 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) by
depressing the TCS button on the
side of the gearshift lever, 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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Driving
136
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
¥ lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance,
¥ excessive speed,
¥ rapid acceleration,
¥ driving with the brake pedal
depressed,
¥ sudden stops,
¥ extended engine idling,
¥ use of speed control in hilly
terrain,
¥ extended use of the air
conditioner, defroster, rear window
defroster and other accessories,
¥ underinflated tires,
¥ heavy loads,
¥ aftermarket add-ons such as
bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 136

Roadside emergencies
144
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38Ñ
C10
40
7.5
15
15
20
7.5
15
30
30
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
Ñ
30
ÑNot used
Wiper motors (circuit breaker)
Power windows
ABS module
Backup lamps
Brake lamps
Door locks
Main light
Cigar lighter
Electric seats
Rear window defrost
Engine management system
Instrument panel illumination
Radio
Parking lamps - driverÕs side
Interior lighting/electric mirror
adjustment
Parking lamps - passengerÕs side
Not used
Heater blower motor
Not used
Passenger compartment fuse panel (below instrument panel)
FuseAmpere
ratingCircuits protected
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Roadside emergencies
146
CHANGING TIRES
Park your vehicle in such a position
that neither the traffic nor you are
hindered or endangered when
changing the tire. Ensure that the
vehicle is on firm, level ground.
Secure your vehicle further by
blocking the wheels.
Activate the hazard lights.
Apply the parking brake and
engage first or reverse gear if the
vehicle has a manual transaxle or, if
the vehicle has an automatic
transaxle, select the P (Park)
position.
If parking on a slope is unavoidable,
block the wheels.
The temporary spare tire
The vehicle may have a high
pressure temporary spare tire. This
spare is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use
only. This tire should be replaced
as soon as possible.
If you use the temporary
spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the
tire could fail, causing you to lose
control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
23CREen 3/25/99 3:35 PM Page 146

Roadside emergencies
148
Removing a tire
1. Apply the parking brake and 1
(first) gear (manual transaxle) or
the P (Park) position (automatic
transaxle).
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. The driver and all passengers
must leave the vehicle.
4. Secure the vehicle against rolling
or sliding.
5. Insert the tapered end of the
jack handle between the rim and
hub cover and push in. Twist off to
remove the cover.
6. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.
Tire changing procedure
7. Place jack with complete support
surface on the ground.
8. The jack must be applied exactly
vertical to the jacking point of the
vehicle.
9. Jack up the vehicle until the tire
is clear of the ground. Unscrew and
remove the wheel nuts and remove
the wheel.
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Roadside emergencies
151
3. Park the booster vehicle close to
the hood of the disabled vehicle,
making sure the two vehicles do
nottouch. Set the parking brake
on both vehicles and stay clear of
the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and
remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery
cables. Ensure that vent caps are
tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both
vehicles to protect from any
electrical surges. Turn all other
accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharge battery.
Note:In the illustrations,
Òlightning boltsÓ are used to
designate the assisting (boosting)
battery.
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Roadside emergencies
157
Never use a tow bar that
attaches to the bumper
when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and
cause an accident.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Before you have your vehicle
towed:
¥ release the parking brake,
¥ move the gearshift to N
(Neutral),
¥ turn the ignition to the off
position and
¥ unlock the steering wheel.
Automatic transaxle
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 55 km/h (35 mph) or
for a distance greater than 80 km
(50 miles) unless the drive wheels
are placed on dollies.
Manual transaxle
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 90 km/h (55 mph). Your
maximum towing distance is
unlimited.
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