lights FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual

*[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of Contents
Introductory Information............... 1
Safety Restraints ................... 7
Starting Your Contour ................. 41
Warning Lights and Gauges .............. 53
Instrument Panel Controls ............... 69
Steering Column Controls ............... 83
Features ....................... 93
Electronic Sound Systems .............. 115
Driving Your Contour ................ 139
Roadside Emergencies ................ 163
Customer Assistance ................ 179
Reporting Safety Defects ............. 185
Accessories ..................... 189
Servicing Your Contour ............... 195
Quick Index .................... 261
Index ........................ 273
Service Station Information ............. 292
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7
Safety Restraints
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Important Safety Belt Information
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The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your
passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada
the law requires their use.
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Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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the seatback is upright
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the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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the knees are straight forward
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To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning
light may come on and a chime may sound. SeeSafety Belt
Warning Light and Chimein theWarning Lights and Gauges
chapter.
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[SR02300(ALL)01/95]
See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how
to properly use these safety belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for
Childrenin this chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
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RWARNING
Make sure that you and your passengers wear safety
belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright
and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.
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42
[ST04400(ALL)05/94]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's electrical accessories
to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you
can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio without starting the
engine.
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[ST04425(ALL)05/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights (except the
brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you
start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the
engine is started and remains in this position while the engine
runs.
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[ST04450(ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to
ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to
test the brake warning light.
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Removing the Key From the Ignition
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Procedures for removing your key from the ignition vary,
depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual
transaxle.
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If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle:
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Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
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Set the parking brake fully.
[ST05000(ALL)05/94]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[ST05100(ALL)02/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
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If your vehicle has a manual transaxle:
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Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First).
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Set the parking brake fully.
[ST05701(ALL)05/94]3.
Rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position.
[ST05801(ALL)02/95]4.
Remove the key from the ignition.
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Starting Your Contour
45
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Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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Starting Your Engine
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To start your engine:
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Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
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[ST09340(ALL)03/95]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to the ON position.
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[ST09350(ALL)03/95]3.
DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
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[ST09360(ALL)02/95]4.
Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the
engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position
after the engine has started.
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[ST09370(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
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Starting Your Contour
51
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If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
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[ST11900(ALL)04/95]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ST12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ST12050(ALL)03/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
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[ST12100(ALL)03/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel.If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again.If you do not
see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
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[ST12175(ALL)03/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving the vehicle.
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Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more
than a short period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding Against Exhaust
Fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
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RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
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53
Warning Lights and Gauges
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In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped
together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a
cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:
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Standard Cluster
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Sport Cluster
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If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
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Warning Lights and Gauges
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[LG01600(ALL)05/95]
33-1/2 pica
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The sport cluster
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56
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Standard Cluster
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The following warning lights and gauges are on the standard
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. The following sections
detail what each of these indicators means.
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Indicator Lights and Chimes
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Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
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This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety
belt. The following conditions will take place:
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If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when the ignition is
turned to the ON position, the light will turn on for 1 to 2
minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
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If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the light is on or
the chime is sounding, both the light and the chime will turn
off.
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[LG02618(ALL)03/95]
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If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition is
turned to the ON position, neither the light nor the chime
will turn on.
[LG02800(ALL)01/95]
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Warning Lights and Gauges
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Brake System Warning Light
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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*
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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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RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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Warning Lights and Gauges
59
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If you lose engine oil pressure:
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Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
*
[LG05400(ALL)11/94]3.
Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on
checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See
Engine oilin the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured. To ensure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.
[LG05500(ALL)11/94]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary to
bring it to the full level before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for
further service actions.
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High Beam Light
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This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high
beam or when you flash the lights.
[LG06350(ALL)05/94]
If the high beam light flashes in a vehicle equipped with the
Daytime Running Light (DRL) system (Canada), it indicates a
failure in the DRL circuit. Check the bulbs and fuses or have
the DRL system checked by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
[LG06400(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0000295-BFile:cdlgo.ex
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