2000 FORD CONTOUR light

Introduction
2ICONS
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 owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
11CIten 17.6.99 10:37 Uhr Seite 2

Introduction
4Vehicle symbol glossary
These are some of the symbols you
may have on your vehicle.
Safety Alert
Fasten Safety Belt
Airbag - Side
Child Seat Installation
Warning
Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Master Lighting Switch
Fog Lamps - Front
Fuel Pump Reset
Windshield Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/Rear
See Owner’s Guide
Airbag - Front
Child Seat
Child Seat Tether
Anchorage
Anti-Lock Brake System
Traction Control
Hazard Warning Flasher
Fuse Compartment
Windshield Wash/Wipe
Rear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Window Lockout
11CIten 17.6.99 10:37 Uhr Seite 4

Instrumentation
8Turn 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 17.6.99 10:41 Uhr Seite 8

Instrumentation
9 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 17.6.99 10:41 Uhr Seite 9

Instrumentation
10Traction 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 17.6.99 10:41 Uhr Seite 10

Instrumentation
11 O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the side of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off. For details,
refer to the Driving chapter.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
If the light stays on for more than
three (3) seconds after the
ignition is turned to the ON
position or stays on continuously
while you are driving, have the
traction control system checked
by a qualified technician as soon
as possible.
For more information, refer to
Traction Controlin the Driving
chapter.
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
12CInen 17.6.99 10:41 Uhr Seite 11

Instrumentation
13 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
engine’s 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.
12CInen 17.6.99 10:41 Uhr Seite 13

Instrumentation
14These 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.
12CInen 17.6.99 10:41 Uhr Seite 14