1999 FORD CONTOUR trailer

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.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 127

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.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 130

Driving
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.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 131

Driving
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.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 132

Driving
133
Using a hitch
Do not use hitches that:
¥ Clamp onto the vehicle bumper.
¥ Attach to the axle.
Distribute the load so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue. Tie down
the load so that it does not shift
and change weight on the hitch.
Follow the instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
Using trailer lamps
See your local trailer retailer or
rental agency for proper
instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Do not hook the trailer lamps
directly into the vehicleÕs wiring
system. If the trailer lamps are not
working properly, the warning
lights in the instrument cluster may
not work properly.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 133

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.
22CDren 3/25/99 3:32 PM Page 135

Maintenance and care
175
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature 66¡C - 77¡C
(150¡F - 170¡F).
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
10¡C - 35¡C (50¡F - 95¡F).
If the vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds,
in the city during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about thirty
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and engage the parking
brake.
2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in
P (Park) and leave the engine
running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
31CMCen 3/25/99 3:45 PM Page 175