FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual

132
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13-1/2 pica
art:0001264-C
Overriding the brake shift interlock
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[GF05900(ALL)12/95]
The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key
to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position
except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to LOCK or
removed from the steering column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, the
gearshift levermustbe in P (Park).
*
[GF06000(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the
brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary.
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Driving
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art:0000492-D
Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever
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[GF06200(ALL)01/96]
R (Reverse)
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[GF06300(ALL)01/96]
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).
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[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
*
[GF06500(ALL)09/95]
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.
%*
[GF06600(ALL)03/96]
Driving
[GF06700(ALL)02/96]
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 (O/D OFF) is
located on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever
in any of the several positions.
[GF06800(ALL)02/96]
The O/D 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
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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.
*
[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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[GF07500(ALL)03/96]
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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[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
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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[GF08100(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[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.
*
[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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[GF08800(ALL)12/95]
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.)
*
[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.
%*
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
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
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[GF09600(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001265-A
The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift
[GF09700(ALL)12/95]
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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[GF09800(ALL)01/96]
Backing up
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[GF09900(ALL)01/96]
To shift into R (Reverse):
*
[GF10000(ALL)12/95]1.
Completely stop your vehicle.
*
[GF10100(ALL)12/95]2.
Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift
lever in the Neutral position. Do not release the clutch pedal.
[GF10200(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: If the following step is not followed, a grinding noise
may occur.
[GF10300(ALL)12/95]3.
Wait a minimum of three seconds before attempting to shift
into R (Reverse) gear.
[GF10400(ALL)12/95]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.
[GF10500(ALL)12/95]5.
If the R (Reverse) gear is engaged, slowly release the clutch
pedal from the floor.
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138
[GF10600(ALL)12/95]
Upshifting
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[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds:
[GF10800(ALL)12/95]
twelve pica
chart:0001266-A[GF10900(ALL)12/95]
twelve pica
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Driving
139
[GF11000(ALL)12/95]
Downshifting
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[GF11100(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[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.
*
[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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[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[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.
*
[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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140
*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
%*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
[GF12100(ALL)12/95]
The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the
maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label attached to the left front door pillar or the left front door
lock facing.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the weights of:
*
[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
n
the driver and passengers
*
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
n
luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle
*
[GF12500(ALL)12/95]
n
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
*
[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
n
the weight of any equipment that has been added to your
vehicle since it was delivered to your dealer
*
[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
If you do not know the actual weights of these items, use the
following procedure to figure the weight of a load:
*
[GF12800(ALL)01/96]1.
Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers and
luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company
or an inspection station for trucks.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]2.
Then weigh your vehicle with the driver, passengers and
luggage.
*
[GF13000(ALL)01/96]3.
Subtract the first reading from the second to figure the total
weight of the load.
*
[GF13100(ALL)11/92]
After determining this load, you must also make sure that the
total weight of your vehicle, plus the load it carries, is less than
its GVWR. Also, make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
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Driving
141
*
[GF13200(ALL)12/95]
You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or the door
latch post pillar.
*
[GF13300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds the GAWR for
either axle, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF13400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying
weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal
can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
%*
[GF13500(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing
[GF13600(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum
of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum
tongue load of 100 lbs (45 kg). It should also have 25 sq. ft. (2.3
sq. meters) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) while towing a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) trailer.
*
[GF13700(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to
tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealers.
*
[GF13800(ALL)12/95]
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you
must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of
your vehicle:
*
[GF13900(ALL)12/95]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow. (SeeKnowing Your
Vehicle's Load Limits.)
*
[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF14100(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
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