brakes FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual

4
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[IN04000(ALL)01/95]
Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan
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[IN04100(ALL)01/94]
If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford
Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract
provides service protection for a longer period of time than the
basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.
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[IN04200(ALL)01/95]
You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle.
However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service
Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer
for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan.
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[IN04250(ALL)01/95]
If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take
advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of
purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the
details.
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[IN06000(ALL)01/95]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
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[IN06100(ALL)03/95]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in
period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it.
During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to
how you drive your vehicle.
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[IN06300(ALL)01/95]
n
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle has new brake
linings, you should take these steps:
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[IN06400(ALL)01/95]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate when to
stop.
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[IN06500(ALL)01/95]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
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[IN06600(ALL)01/95]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
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[IN06700(ALL)01/95]
The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles
(160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
highway driving.
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[IN06800(ALL)01/95]
n
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends.See
Engine oil recommendationsin the Index. Do not use special
ªbreak-inº oils.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
57
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[LG02900(ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
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[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service
technician.
[LG03400(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000971-D*
[LG03500(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not
set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the
START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine
starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake, have the
hydraulic brake system serviced by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
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[LG03700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 1996

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[DR01100(ALL)05/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
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[DR01600(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
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[DR01700(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will
move backward. You should always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).
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[DR01725(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR01750(ALL)11/94]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
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[DR01800(ALL)01/95]
Driving
[DR01825(ALL)02/94]
Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The
Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift
handle. The transaxle control indicator light (OD OFF) is located
on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any
of the several positions.
[DR01850(ALL)05/94]
The OD OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation. This allows the transaxle to upshift and downshift
from first through fourth gears. When the TCS is pressed, the
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[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
Downshifting
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[DR09800(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
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[DR09900(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
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[DR10000(ALL)03/95]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
[DR10201(ALL)05/95]
Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with the clutch pedal
depressed at speeds higher than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you do,
it could cause a complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
[DR10301(ALL)01/95]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[DR10405(ALL)05/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[DR10505(ALL)05/95]
Working with the anti-lock brake system, the traction control
system monitors the speed of the wheels as they roll over the
road surface. When a wheel starts to spin because of slippery
conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by
closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the
traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning
wheel.
[DR10605(ALL)05/95]
When the traction control system becomes active, the driver
may notice a very slight kick and then a hard resistance in the
accelerator pedal, and a mechanical noise. The traction control
system light on the instrument panel comes on or flashes on
and off during activation.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
149
[DR10705(ALL)05/95]
The traction control system can be turned off manually by
pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will
remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off.
[DR10805(ALL)05/94]
Each time the vehicle is started, the traction control system will
automatically be on. When the ignition is turned to the ON
position, the traction control system light comes on for
approximately three (3) seconds.
[DR10905(ALL)05/95]
If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON position or if it does not come on when the T/C OFF
button is pressed, have the system serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of the traction control feature. You do not need to have
the vehicle towed in.
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[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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[DR15900(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
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[DR16000(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
[DR16200(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
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[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR16450(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle may have four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes
or power front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes which adjust
automatically through everyday use.
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150
[DR16575(ALL)11/94]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, it may have
four-wheel power disc brakes or power front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes, which adjust automatically as the brake pads
or linings wear down.
[DR16700(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, apply the brake
pedal gradually. Use the ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the
brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which
lets you steer properly.
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[DR16800(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, extreme braking
can make the wheels lock and slide, causing you to lose control
of the steering. If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal and
repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
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[DR16900(ALL)05/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal; you
will wear out the linings and increase your vehicle's stopping
distance. Brake rotor damage may also eventually occur.
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[DR17000(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
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[DR17100(ALL)03/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
[DR17350(ALL)05/95]
Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped)
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[DR17450(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle may come with the optional anti-lock brake
system. Whenever your wheels start to lock (which could result
in a skid) the anti-lock brake system prevents the lock-up by
automatically releasing and re-applying the brakes. The brake
pedal will pulsate as a result of the automatic releasing and
re-applying of the brakes. In spite of this improvement in
braking performance, you should continue to be cautious in all
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

152to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
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[DR17800(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
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[DR17900(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
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[DR18100(ALL)11/93]
The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To
set the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal while
pulling the parking brake handle fully and firmly upward.
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[DR18300(ALL)12/89]
To release the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal,
pull the handle upward and push the button. Then lower the
handle to the released position while holding the button in.
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[DR18400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
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[DR18500(ALL)11/91]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking
brake while outside the vehicle.
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[DR18700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
153
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[DR19000(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
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[DR19050(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your
engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes
to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
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[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
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[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[DR19300(ALL)05/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you
become accustomed to its various features and driving
characteristics.
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[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
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[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
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[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
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[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel drive may provide
better acceleration than rear-wheel drive. However, this does not
mean that your vehicle can stop any faster or any better than a
vehicle with rear-wheel drive. Exercise the same caution while
driving on slippery roads with your front-wheel drive vehicle as
you would with a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
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[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
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[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
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[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

Driving Your Contour
155
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High water
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[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel rims.
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[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
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[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
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[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[DR21700(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
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[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing
or on the door latch post pillar.
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[DR21900(ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
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[DR22000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

160
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[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
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[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic
brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that your
trailer's brakes meet local and federal regulations.
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[DR29600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system wiring directly to
your vehicle's lighting system wiring.To get the proper
equipment for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
*
[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause
damage to the vehicle's lighting system.
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[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
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[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30050(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle and you are towing a
trailer, you should select gear positions which will avoid jerking
or excessive engine speed. If you need to drive excessively in 1
(First) or 2 (Second), it may indicate that the trailer is too big or
heavily loaded for your vehicle's drivetrain. Continuous driving
in these two gears while towing a trailer is not recommended.
File:cddro.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996