2000 FORD CONTOUR steering

Driving
122
Overriding the brake-shift
interlock feature
If it is necessary to use this
procedure to move the gearshift
lever, it is possible that a fuse has
blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps
may not be working. Refer to
Fuses
and relaysin the Roadside
emergencieschapter.
If you cannot move the gearshift
lever from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the ignition key.
2. Apply the parking brake and the
brake pedal.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the
square opening to the right of the
gearshift at the base of the console.
4. Rotate the screwdriver point
rearward.
5. Push and hold the thumb button
and move the gearshift.
6. Remove the screwdriver when
the gearshift moves from the P
(Park) position.
The console-mounted gearshift will
lock when you turn the key to the
lock position. When the gearshift is
in any position except P (Park),
the ignition key cannot be turned
to lock or removed from the
steering column. To remove the
key, the gearshift lever must be in
P (Park).Once the gearshift is secure in the
desired position, release the brake
pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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Driving
134TRAILER TOWING
For vehicles equipped with 2.0 L
engines and automatic transaxles,
an auxiliary cooler must be
installed prior to trailer towing to
protect the power steering and
transaxle system.
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). The trailer
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 vehicle’s 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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Driving
136Preparing 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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Roadside emergencies
149
Fuse rating
7.5 amp
10 amp
15 amp
20 amp
30 amp
30 amp fuse link
40 amp
60 amp fuse link
80 amp fuse link
100 amp fuse linkColor
brown
red
light blue
yellow
light green
pink
orange
yellow
black
blue
Relay
R 18
R 20
R 21
R 22
R 23
R 24
R 25
R 26
R 32
“One touch” switch
(driver’s window)
Not used
Not used
Foglamps
Turn signals
Panic alarm –
driver’s side
Panic alarm –
right-hand side
Not used
Hego heater controlDriver’s door
—
—
Wire shield on instrument panel
Steering column
Door lock module bracket
Door lock module bracket
—
Near PCM-Module
Circuits switchedLocation Standard fuse amperage ratings
and colors
3 amp violet
Auxiliary relays (outside of fuse boxes)
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Roadside emergencies
161
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.
Recreational towing or having
your vehicle towed
An example of recreational towing
would be towing your vehicle
behind a Motorhome. Follow these
guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing.
These guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transaxle is not
damgaged.
It is not recommended to tow front
wheel drive vehicles with the front
drive wheels on the ground.
It is recommended to tow your
vehicle with the drive wheels on a
dolly or two wheel car hauling
trailer.Automatic transaxle
In case of a roadside emergency
with a disabled vehicle (without
access to wheel dollies, car hauling
trailer or flatbed transport vehicle)
your vehicle can be flat towed (all
wheels on the ground) under the
following conditions.
• Place the transaxle in N
(Neutral)
• Do not exceed a distance of 80
km (50 miles).
• Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph)
vehicle speed.
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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Maintenance and care
167 For ease of identification, all filler caps and the engine oil dipstick are
marked yellow/black. 2.0 litre EFI-engine compartment
Power
steering
reservoirEngine
coolant
reservoirAutomatic
transaxle
dipstick
(if equipped)Brake fluid
reservoir
BatteryWindshield
washer fluid
reservoirEngine oil
dipstickPower
distribution
box
Air
cleaner
Engine oil
filler cap
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Maintenance and care
168
Power
steering
reservoirEngine
coolant
reservoir 2.5 litre EFI-engine compartment
For ease of identification, all filler caps and the engine oil dipstick are
marked yellow/black.Air
cleanerBrake fluid
reservoirAutomatic
transaxle
dipstick
(if equipped)
BatteryWindshield
washer fluid
reservoirEngine oil
dipstickPower
distribution
boxEngine oil
filler cap
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Disposal of used engine coolant
Used engine coolant should be
disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s
regulations and standards for
recycling and/or disposal of
automotive fluids.
Checking and adding power
steering fluid
Switch off the engine. With the
steering system at normal
operating temperature, the fluid
level should come up to the MAX
mark.
If the fluid level drops below the
MIN mark, add the specified fluid.
Refer to the Capacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends
the use of recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved
processes. However, not all coolant
recycling processes produce
coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44A. Use of
such coolant may harm the engine
and coolant system components.
Maintenance and care
178MAX
MIN
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