1999 FORD CONTOUR fuel

Instrumentation
11 The check engine indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the
engineÕs emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light
may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted.
The vehicle will usually be drivable
and will not require towing.
What you should do if the check
engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause
your check engine light to
illuminate. Examples are:
¥ The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly)
¥ Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel.
¥ The fuel cap may not have been
securely tightened.
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Instrumentation
12These temporary malfunctions can
be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or
properly tightening the fuel cap.
After three drive cycles without
these or any other temporary
malfunctions present, the check
engine light should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.). No
additional vehicle service is
required.
If the check enginelight remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at
the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occuring which
could damage your catalytic
converter. You should drive in a
moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and
have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire
conditions, excessive
exhaust temperatures could
damage the catalytic converter,
the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle com-
ponents, possibly causing a fire.
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Instrumentation
13
CHECK
ENGINEAir bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately. Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel tank has
approximately eight liters (two
gallons) remaining. The lamp will
also illuminate when the ignition
key is turned to ON and the engine
is off.
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINE
Front foglamps (if equipped)
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamp controlin the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
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Instrumentation
17 Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driverÕs door is open. 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 driverÕs
safety belt is fastened), traction
control, ABS, brake, 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.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the
off/lock or accessory position and
the driverÕs door is open.
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
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Instrumentation
19
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.
000123
0000
10 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
13 0
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
20010 0
Speedometer
Odometer
Trip odometer Reset button
Tachometer (if equipped)
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
EF
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge displays the
approximate level of usable fuel left
in the fuel reservoir.
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Controls and features
65
Fuel pump shut-off switch
For information on the fuel pump
shut-off switch, refer to Fuel
pump shut-off switch in the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
Positive retention floor mat
Position the floor mat in the
footwell. Place the mat eyelet over
the pointed end of the retention
post from the rear and rotate
forward to install. Adjust the floor
mat position to allow proper
operation of the accelerator pedal,
brake pedal, and clutch pedal (if
equipped).
To remove, lift the floor mat just
forward of the retention post and
rotate it rearward to disengage it
from the retention post.
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Starting
107
PREPARING TO START THE
VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system. This system
meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected
engine, avoid pressing the
accelerator pedal before or during
starting. Only use the accelerator
pedal when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more
information on starting the vehicle,
refer to Starting the enginein this
chapter.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants
have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts
and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and
vehicle accessories are off.
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Driving
120
¥D (Overdrive)
Note that the vehicleÕs gearshift is
console-mounted on the floor. The
transaxle control switch (TCS) is
located on the gearshift handle.
The transaxle control indicator
light (O/D light) is located on the
instrument panel.
Overdrive is not shown on the
display, but is the default mode for
the D gearshift position. This is the
normal driving mode for the best
fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
The O/D light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transaxle control
switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
¥N(Neutral)
The wheels of the transaxle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely,
even on the slightest incline, unless
the parking brake or brakes are on.
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