engine FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owner's Manual

125
Driving
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[GF00200(ALL)01/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on
which type oftransaxleyour vehicle has. You may be familiar
with the term ªtransmission.º We usetransaxlebecause it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have front-wheel drive.
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[GF00300(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle will have one of the following types of transaxles:
[GF00400(ALL)12/95]
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an automatic overdrive transaxle with transaxle control
switch, or
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a manual transaxle.
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[GF00600(ALL)12/95]
If you are not sure which transaxle your vehicle has, talk to
your dealer.
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Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control
Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out
mode to promote durability.
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Brakes
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Applying the Brakes
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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.
[GF01100(ALL)12/95]
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.
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[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
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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[GF01300(ALL)01/96]
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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Driving
127
[GF02000(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle may have an Anti-lock Brake System feature. If it
does, check the Anti-lock Brake System light each time you start
the engine. If it stays on longer than three (3) seconds, shut off
the engine and restart. If it stays on, that means the Anti-lock
Brake feature is not working and should be serviced
immediately to restore the benefits of the Anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the brake warning light is
also lit.
[GF02100(ALL)12/95]
The Anti-lock Brake System has self-check capabilities. As
described above, the system turns on the anti-lock light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs another test the
first time the vehicle reaches 5 mph (8 km/h) (12 mph
[20 km/h] for vehicles equipped with the traction control
system). The system turns on the ABS pump motor for
approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical noise may
be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the self-check feature.
If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light
will come on.
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[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the 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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Driving
129
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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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Traction Control (If equipped)
[GF03300(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[GF03400(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03500(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03600(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03700(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03800(ALL)12/95]
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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130
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Steering Your Vehicle
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Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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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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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
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.
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Driving with an Automatic Overdrive
Transaxle
[GF04400(ALL)12/95]
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic
operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the transaxle control
switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
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Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04600(ALL)12/95]
You must push in the thumb button to move the gearshift to
the position you choose.
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[GF04700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
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Driving
131
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To operate:
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[GF04900(ALL)12/95]1.
Start the engine.
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[GF05000(ALL)12/95]2.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
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[GF05100(ALL)12/95]3.
Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
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[GF05200(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift Interlock safety
feature. This feature prevents the gearshift from being moved
from the P (Park) position until the brake pedal is depressed.
This feature is active when the ignition is in the ON position. If
the gearshift lever CANNOT be moved from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
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[GF05300(ALL)12/95]1.
Turn the engine off and remove the ignition key.
[GF05400(ALL)12/95]2.
With the parking brake applied and the brake pedal
depressed, insert a screwdriver about 2" (5 cm) into the
square opening to the right of the gearshift at the base of the
console.
[GF05500(ALL)12/95]3.
Rotate the screwdriver point rearward.
[GF05600(ALL)12/95]4.
Push and hold the thumb button and move the gearshift.
[GF05700(ALL)12/95]5.
Remove the screwdriver when the gearshift moves from the
P (Park) position.
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134pressed, the transaxle control indicator light will illuminate
(O/D OFF) on the instrument panel. When this O/D OFF is
illuminated the transaxle will upshift and downshift from first
through third gears and provide coast braking in second and
third gears.
[GF06900(ALL)12/95]
To return the transaxle to normal operation (first through fourth
gears) depress the TCS again. This switch may be used to cancel
overdrive any time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your
vehicle is started, the overdrive system will automatically be in
the normal overdrive mode and the light will not be
illuminated.
[GF07000(ALL)12/95]
When to use D (Overdrive Ð without Transaxle Control
Switch Activated)
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[GF07100(ALL)12/95]
D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic
overdrive transaxle. It automatically upshifts or downshifts as
the vehicle speeds or slows.
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[GF07200(ALL)12/95]
However, D (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth gear Ð an
overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle cruises at a consistent
speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your
fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[GF07300(ALL)12/95]
When to use D (Drive Ð with Transaxle Control Switch
activated)
[GF07400(ALL)12/95]
D (Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain terrain. If the
transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears
while you are driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills, depress the TCS. D (Drive)
also gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle on
downgrades than D (Overdrive).
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Driving
135
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When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07600(ALL)12/95]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
[GF07700(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
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When to use 1 (First)
[GF07900(ALL)12/95]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[GF08000(ALL)12/95]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to D
(Overdrive) at any speed.
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P (Park)
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[GF08200(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
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[GF08300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
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[GF08400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
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136
[GF08500(ALL)12/95]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
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Driving with a Manual Transaxle
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Using the Clutch
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In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the
vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set.
[GF08900(ALL)12/95]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds. Then,
hold your right foot on the brake pedal and release the parking
brake. With the clutch pedal depressed to the floor with your
left foot, move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
[GF09000(ALL)12/95]
To move the vehicle, take your right foot off the brake pedal
and then slowly release the clutch pedal. (You may need to
press down slowly on the accelerator at the same time that you
release the clutch pedal.)
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[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
[GF09200(ALL)12/95]
Idling the Vehicle
[GF09300(ALL)12/95]
When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running, DO
NOT rest your hand on or apply any pressure to gearshift lever
when the clutch pedal is not depressed. This may result in
erratic engine operation.
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Shifting the Gears
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[GF09500(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted on the floor.
The gearshift can be in one of seven possible positions, as
shown.
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Driving
139
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Downshifting
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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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[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
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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[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF11400(ALL)12/95]
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.
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Driving With a Heavy Load
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[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
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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[GF11700(ALL)12/95]
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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[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
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142
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Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
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[GF14300(ALL)12/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the
tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of
the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
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[GF14400(ALL)12/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
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[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
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.
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[GF14600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
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[GF14700(ALL)12/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
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[GF14800(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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[GF15000(ALL)12/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The
bumper is not designed to bear the load.
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