check engine FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G User Guide

Warning Lights and Gauges
67
[LG22700(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0001210-A% [LG22800(ALL)03/95]
Low Coolant Light (If equipped)
[LG22900(ALL)02/95]
This light indicates that the level of the engine coolant is low
inside the coolant recovery bottle and that you should add more
coolant. SeeEngine Coolantin the Index.
[LG23000(ALL)01/95]
6 pica art:0001214-B[LG23100(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
turned to the START position, but should turn off when the
engine starts. If this light stays on, check the level of coolant
inside the recovery bottle. The level may be slightly above the
MIN line because the light is an ªearly warning.º
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:16:21 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.
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
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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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:23:16 1996

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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Driving Your Contour
153
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[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.
*
[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
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164
*
[RE00900(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01000(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[RE01300(ALL)04/95]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[RE01600(ALL)03/95]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Press the DEFROST
button. Turn off all other switches and gauges.
%*
[RE01700(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]1.
Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use
the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper
cables have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and the black for
the negative ones.
*
[RE02600(ALL)04/95]2.
Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster battery.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996

Roadside Emergencies
175
*
[RE14800(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the anti-theft lug nut
*
[RE14900(ALL)03/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while applying pressure on
the key, install the lug nut.
*
[RE15050(ALL)02/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does Not Start or
Does Not Start After a Collision
*
[RE15100(ALL)04/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE15200(ALL)03/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE15250(ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
*
[RE16400(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[RE16500(ALL)04/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center. Recommended towing options include wheel lift towing
or flat bed towing.
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195
Servicing Your Contour
%*
[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[SV00600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
n
When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
*
[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
n
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV01000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
*
[SV01150(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
*
[SV01250(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance Checklist,be
alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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Servicing Your Contour
209
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[SV13530(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
*
[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)05/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
*
[SV13650(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
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210
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
[SV13710(ALL)04/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13770(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(ALL)05/94]2.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

212
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
*
[SV15200(O )05/95]
Nearly all engines will consume engine oil. As a result, it may
be necessary to add some oil between oil changes.
*
[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
[SV16400(ALL)03/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever
occurs first.
[SV16500(ALL)05/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001472-A*
[SV16600(ALL)04/95]
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for
additional information.
%*
[SV16700(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996