FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1996, Model line: CONTOUR, Model: FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.GPages: 286, PDF Size: 2.62 MB
Page 141 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 142
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Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
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R (Reverse)
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With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 142
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Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
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R (Reverse)
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With the gearshift in the R (Reverse)](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-140.png)
142
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art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
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R (Reverse)
*
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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).
*
[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.
*
[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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Driving Your Contour
143 transaxle control indicator light will illuminate (OD OFF) on the
instrument panel. When this OD OFF is illuminated the
transaxle will upshift and downshift from first through third
gears and provide coast braking in second and third gears.
[DR01875(ALL)02/94]
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.
[DR01900(ALL)05/94]
When to use D (Overdrive Ð without Transaxle Control
Switch activated)
[DR01925(ALL)05/94]
D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic
overdrive transaxle. It automatically upshifts or downshifts as
the vehicle speeds or slows.
[DR01950(ALL)05/94]
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.
[DR02000(ALL)05/94]
When to use D (Drive Ð with Transaxle Control Switch
activated)
[DR02025(ALL)05/94]
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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Page 143 of 286
![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 144
*
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When to use 2 (Second)
[DR02200(ALL)05/94]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hi FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 144
*
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When to use 2 (Second)
[DR02200(ALL)05/94]
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hi](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-142.png)
144
*
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When to use 2 (Second)
[DR02200(ALL)05/94]
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.
[DR02300(ALL)05/95]
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)
[DR02700(ALL)05/94]
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
[DR02800(ALL)05/95]
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)
*
[DR03000(ALL)11/94]
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.
*
[DR03100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR03200(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
[DR03400(ALL)01/89]
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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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Driving Your Contour
145
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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 full FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Driving Your Contour
145
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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 full](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-143.png)
Driving Your Contour
145
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Driving with a Manual Transaxle
*
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Using the Clutch
*
[DR07100(ALL)11/94]
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.
[DR07200(ALL)11/94]
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).
[DR07300(ALL)11/94]
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.)
*
[DR07400(ALL)03/95]
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.
[DR07500(ALL)05/95]
Idling the Vehicle
[DR07550(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[DR07600(ALL)03/95]
Shifting the Gears
*
[DR07700(ALL)11/94]
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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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 146
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art:0001265-A
The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift
[DR07900(ALL)11/94]
Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you
shift. You should upsh FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 146
[DR07810(ALL)02/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001265-A
The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift
[DR07900(ALL)11/94]
Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you
shift. You should upsh](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-144.png)
146
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art:0001265-A
The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift
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Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you
shift. You should upshift according to the speeds given in the
shift speed chart.
*
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Backing up
*
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To shift into R (Reverse):
*
[DR08201(ALL)11/94]1.
Completely stop your vehicle.
[DR08301(ALL)11/94]2.
Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift
lever in the Neutral position. Do not release the clutch pedal.
[DR08401(ALL)11/94]
NOTE: If the following step is not followed, a grinding noise
may occur.
[DR08501(ALL)11/94]3.
Wait a minimum of three seconds before attempting to shift
into R (Reverse) gear.
[DR08601(ALL)02/94]4.
Push the gearshift lever completely to the right, pull up the
ring on the stalk of the gearshift lever, and then pull
rearward on the gearshift lever to engage the R (Reverse)
gear.
[DR08701(ALL)11/94]5.
If the R (Reverse) gear is engaged, slowly release the clutch
pedal from the floor.
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Driving Your Contour
147
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Upshifting
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Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds:
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twelve pica
chart:0001266-A[DR09100(ALL) FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual Driving Your Contour
147
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Upshifting
*
[DR09000(ALL)03/95]
Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds:
[DR09050(ALL)07/94]
twelve pica
chart:0001266-A[DR09100(ALL)](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-145.png)
Driving Your Contour
147
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Upshifting
*
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Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds:
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twelve pica
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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 148
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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 stallin FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 148
[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
Downshifting
*
[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 stallin](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-146.png)
148
[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
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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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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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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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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 tractio FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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 tractio](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-147.png)
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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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.
%*
[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.
*
[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
%*
[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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![FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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 brak FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G Owners Manual 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 brak](/img/11/4765/w960_4765-148.png)
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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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)
*
[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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Page 150 of 286

Driving Your Contour
151 hazardous driving situations, especially when driving on
hazardous road surfaces. Even with your anti-lock brake system,
you may not have total control of your vehicle when braking on
roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, holes in the
pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
*
[DR17500(ALL)05/95]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is driven over
uneven road surfaces, the ABS may cycle and the driver may
sense a pulsation in the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight
up and down movement of the pedal height and a clicking
sound. This may also happen when driving on an inclined
surface such as a driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
[DR17600(ALL)05/94]
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.
[DR17650(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[DR17700(ALL)12/93]
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
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