1999 FORD CONTOUR towing

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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Driving
127
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 driverÕs 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 driverÕs
door pillar.
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Driving
130TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a
trailer of up to a maximum of
454 kg (1 000 lbs) gross trailer
weight with a maximum tongue
load of 45 kg (100 lbs). It should
also have 2.3 sq. meters (25 sq.
feet) or less frontal area. Do not
drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph)
while towing a 454 kg (1 000 lb)
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 vehicleÕs 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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131
Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
¥ Stay within your vehicleÕs 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 trailerin
this chapter.
¥ Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty schedule
in the maintenance guide and or
service guide.
¥ Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800 km (500 miles).
¥ Refer to the instructions
included with towing accessories
for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
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132
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
(50 miles).
¥ 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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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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138
Roadside emergencies
If your engine cranks but does not
start after a collision or substantial
jolt:
1. Turn the ignition key to the off
position.
2. Check under the vehicle for
leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel,
push the red reset button down. If
the button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical
problem.
4. Turn the ignition key to the on
position for a few seconds, then
turn it to the off position.
5. Check under the vehicle again
for leaking fuel. If you see or smell
fuel, do not start your vehicle
again. If you do not see or smell
fuel, you can try to start your
vehicle again.
If you see or smell fuel, do
not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the
passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department
or a towing service.
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Roadside emergencies
156
If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook or slingbelt
towing procedure.
WRECKER TOWING
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