maintenance FORD CONTOUR 1996 2.G User Guide

208
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[SV12200(ALL)05/95]4.
Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy:
*
[SV12250(ALL)05/95]
n
English: MPGU(total miles driven)V(gallons used)
*
[SV12275(ALL)05/95]
n
Metric: L/100kU(liters used)V(100 kilometers)
%*
[SV12300(ALL)05/95]
Comparisons With EPA Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[SV12400(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
*
[SV12610(ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV12615(ALL)05/95]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[SV12625(ALL)05/95]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
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[SV12630(ALL)05/95]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
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[SV12635(ALL)05/95]
n
Sudden stops
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[SV12640(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended engine idling
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[SV12645(ALL)05/95]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
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[SV12650(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
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[SV12655(ALL)05/95]
n
Underinflated tires
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[SV12660(ALL)05/95]
n
Heavy loads
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[SV12665(ALL)05/95]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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Servicing Your Contour
209
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[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
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[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
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[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
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[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
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[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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[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
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[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
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[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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212
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[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.
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214
%*
[SV17825(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine
coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate
the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under
Engine Type, in this chapter.
*
[SV17850(ALL)01/95]
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at
least once a month using the following guidelines.
[SV17900(ALL)01/95]
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the
engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the
MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be
at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in
either condition, coolant may need to be added.
*
[SV18000(ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from
internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the
water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
*
[SV18100(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
[SV18500(ALL)01/95]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you
remove the coolant recovery cap.
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Servicing Your Contour
217
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[SV20050(ALL)03/95]
Battery
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[SV20100(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery.
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of
the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
*
[SV20150(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
[SV20200(ALL)02/95]
Battery Replacement
*
[SV20250(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement (under
warranty), it may in some cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
*
[SV20300(ALL)05/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least every 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
*
[SV20350(ALL)02/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you don't use hard
water, or water with a high mineral or alkali content. If
possible, however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled
water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
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Servicing Your Contour
221
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[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
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[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper
blades.
*
[SV23400(ALL)03/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
*
[SV23500(ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the
ignition to the ACC position and turn your wipers on. Wait for
them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to the
OFF position. Do not move the wipers manually. Manually
moving the wipers across the windshield may damage them.
*
[SV23600(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV23700(OZ)03/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly after you clean
them, you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly or the
blade element. When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent. To
replace the blades, follow the instructions that come with them.
[SV23716(ALL)11/94]
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement
*
[SV23719(ALL)04/95]
In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans
the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter
should be replaced at the intervals in theMaintenance Schedule
and Recordbooklet.
[SV23723(ALL)04/95]
To replace the passenger compartment air filter:
[SV23726(ALL)02/95]1.
Remove both windshield wiper arms. With the wiper arm in
the horizontal position, lift the arm away from the
windshield while pulling the retaining clip at the base
toward the windshield. Release the wiper arm, then lift it off
the base.
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Servicing Your Contour
229
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[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29225(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29250(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[SV29300(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid
level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up
transaxle fluid. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is
not working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle may slip or
shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð
the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29350(ALL)01/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied,
start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of
the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gear shift selector in the P (Park) position.
Fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick out. Wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
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248
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[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV41100(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[SV41200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
*
[SV41300(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[SV41400(ALL)01/95]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV41500(ALL)01/95]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV41600(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
*
[SV41700(ALL)03/95]
n
Have the services listed in theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance services are required because
they are considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
*
[SV41720(ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement
parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or
for the service of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner's
responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
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250
%*
[SV42425(ALL)06/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing
*
[SV42450(ALL)06/95]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies a ªneed for additional mixed city and highway driving
to complete the checkº of the OBD II system. As soon as all of
the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD
II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving
required to reach the ready condition varies with individual
driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below.
If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the
additional driving required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work.
*
[SV42475(ALL)06/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV42501(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order shown. If any
steps are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe
driving mode is acceptable between steps.
*
[SV42550(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
*
[SV42560(ALL)05/95]
The engine must be warmed up and at operating temperature
before proceeding with the drive modes of the following OBD II
Drive Cycle.
*
[SV42575(ALL)05/95]1.
Start the engine. Drive or idle (in neutral) the vehicle for
4 minutes.
[SV42601(ALL)05/95]2.
Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual transaxle) for
40 seconds.
*
[SV42610(ALL)06/95]3.
Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (70 km/h) at 1/4 to 1/2
throttle for 10 seconds.
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