2000 FORD CONTOUR brake

Maintenance and care
179 Checking and adding automatic
transaxle fluid
Follow the scheduled service
intervals outlined in the
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide“.
Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, it is recommended
that you refer to your “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide“ for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and
changes. The fluid level should be
checked or changed by a qualified
technician at the appropriate
intervals or if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the
transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if
you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Note: Automatic transaxle fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain
an accurate fluid level check drive
the vehicle until warmed,
approximately 30 km (20 miles). If
your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds,
in city traffic during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about 30 minutes
to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20
miles) or until the vehicle reaches
normal operating temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and engage the parking
brake.
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Maintenance and care
180
3. 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.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park) and leave the engine
running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid level
should be in the designated areas
for normal and room temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the hole at the
bottom of the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transaxle fluid level should be
checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C - 77°C (150°F -
170°F) on a level surface. The
normal operating temperature can
be reached after approximately
30 km (20 miles) of driving.
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature of 66°C - 77°C
(150°F - 170°F).Normal operating temperature
66°C - 77°C (150°F - 170°F)Do not drive if below this area
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Maintenance and care
194The tires on your vehicle have all-
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, using snow tires and
chains may be necessary. Ford
offers snow chains as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents on approved tires. See
your dealer or a qualified service
technician for more information on
tire chains for your vehicle. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
• Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• Install the chains on the front
tires only.
• Do not use tire chains on 205/60
tires and 205/55R16 Z rated tires.
Steering, suspension and body
components may be damaged by
use of chains.
Snow tires must be the same
size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your
vehicle.
Using snow tires and chains
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Maintenance and care
203
BRAKE
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
Alternative design Alternative design
Watch for fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
engine overheating, illumination of
the
charging systemwarning light
or the check enginewarning light.
These events could indicate that
the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in
entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Do not park, idle or drive
your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
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Maintenance and care
209 License plate lamp
Pry out the light assembly with a
flat-bladed screwdriver. Remove
the bulb from the clip holder.
Replace with the new bulb in
reverse sequence.
Brake/turn signal/tail lamps
1. Disconnect the electrical
connector.
2. Turn the socket
counterclockwise and pull it out.
3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise
and pull it out.
4. To install, fit the new bulb in
reverse order.
Backup lamps
The backup lamps are located in
the trunk lid. Replacement
instructions are the same as for the
brake/turn signal/tail lamps.
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Maintenance and care
210
High-mounted brake lamp
Enter the rear seat compartment.
1. Remove the high-mounted stop
lamp assembly.
2. Remove the red bulb cover.
3. Remove inoperative stop lamp
bulb.
To install, fit the new bulb in
reverse sequence.
On vehicles equipped with a rear
spoiler, the high-mounted brake
lamp is included in the spoiler.
See your dealer for repair.
Luggage compartment lamp
Pry out the light assembly from the
holder with a flat screwdriver. Turn
the spherical bulb under slight
pressure counterclockwise and
remove.
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Maintenance and care
212
FunctionTrade number
3457 NA
9005
9006
893
1157
1156 Front /turn lamp
Headlamp (high)
Headlamp (low)
Foglamp/License plate lamp
Rear tail/turn/brake lamp
Backup lamp
Bulb specifications
2723
C5W High-mounted brake lamp
Interior lamp211-2
License plate lamp
Reading lamp
578
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Maintenance and care
217 Waxing your vehicle
The best way to determine when
the paintwork needs waxing is by
noting when water stops beading
on the surface. This could be every
three or four months depending on
operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-
based waxes. Remove any bugs and
tar before waxing the vehicle. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a
clean cloth to remove bugs. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
During winter months, it is
especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large
quantities of dirt and road salt are
difficult to remove, and they also
cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove or lower any exterior
accessories, such as antennas,
before entering a car wash.
Remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect remains,
tar spots, road salt and industrial
fallout immediately.
After washing, apply the brakes
several times to dry them.
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