battery FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G User Guide

Maintenance and Care
191
%*
[MC09600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC09700(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC09800(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC09900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any
time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
[MC10000(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000336-D
The engine coolant recovery reservoir (2.5L shown Ð 2.0L similar)
%*
[MC10100(ALL)12/95
]
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.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

198
%*
[MC14500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC14600(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC14700(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC14800(ALL)12/95]
Battery Replacement
*
[MC14900(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC15000(ALL)12/95]
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.
*
[MC15100(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
199
*
[MC15200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Do not allow flames, sparks or lit
tobacco to come near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide ventilation.
%*
[MC15300(ALL)05/96
]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[MC15400(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC15500(ALL)02/96
]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96
]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC15700(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
[MC15800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001223-A
Battery recycling symbol
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200
[MC15900(ALL)12/95]
Disconnecting the Battery
[MC16000(ALL)12/95]
Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all
the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for
one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to
idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive).
Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if
equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning
process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle.
*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
% [MC16200(ALL)04/96]
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement
[MC16300(ALL)04/96]
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.
[MC16400(ALL)12/95]
To replace the passenger compartment air filter:
[MC16500(ALL)12/95]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.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
219
%*
[MC32300(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC32400(ALL)05/96]
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 that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC32500(ALL)05/96]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[MC32601(ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below:
*
[MC32701(ALL)05/96]
n
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and go, city type
traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC32801(ALL)05/96]
n
At least ten minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC32901(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during these driving modes.
%*
[MC34300(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC34400(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC34500(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC34600(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC34700(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
*
[MC34800(ALL)01/96]
n
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC34900(ALL)01/96]
n
hazard flasher
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

234
%*
[CS03400(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS03500(ALL)01/96]
n
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS03600(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
*
[CS03700(ALL)12/95]
n
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without
recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for
quick starting.
%*
[CS03800(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[CS03900(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
%*
[CS04000(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[CS04100(ALL)01/96]
n
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[CS04200(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[CS04300(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
*
[CS04400(ALL)01/96]
n
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15 days to
lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

237
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance
coverages beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club
in the United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in
Canada), contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Additional Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
File:14cdhso.ex
Update:Fri May 24 08:39:27 1996

272
B
Backing up...................... 137
Basic vehicle warranty.................. 3
Battery........................ 198
acid, treating emergencies............169, 199
charging system warning light............. 14
disconnecting.................... 173
how to service................... 198
jumping a disabled battery.............. 169
maintenance-free.................. 198
proper disposal, recycling.............. 199
replacement, specifications.............. 229
servicing...................... 198
when storing your vehicle.............. 234
Brake fluid...................... 188
brake warning light.................. 13
checking and adding................ 188
description..................... 188
specifications.................... 231
Brakelamp...................... 222
bulb replacement.................. 222
high-mount brakelamp............... 222
Brakes........................ 125
adjustment..................... 125
anti-lock...................... 126
anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light....... 21
applying the brakes................. 125
brake warning light.................. 13
fluid, checking and adding.............. 188
fluid, refill capacities..............188, 230
fluid, specifications................. 231
front disc...................... 125
if brakes do not grip well.............. 125
master cylinder................... 188
new brake linings................... 5
noise......................125±126
parking...................... 128
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

276
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers................... 160
fuses......................151, 159
relays....................... 151
Electronic radio with cassette (see Electronic
sound system).................. 38
Electronic sound system
antenna....................... 44
tuning the radio................. 25,39
warranty and service information............ 45
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system).................. 38
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system).... 38
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 237
battery acid spills................169, 199
fuel........................ 213
jump-starting.................... 169
towing....................... 174
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 128
Emission control system................ 216
catalytic converter.................. 216
emissions warranty................ 3,216
Engine
check engine warning light.............. 18
does not start..................120, 149
fuel injected engine, starting...........117±118
fuel pump shut-off switch.............. 149
preparing to start.................. 117
refill capacities................... 230
service points.................... 181
starting...................... 118
starting after a collision............... 149
storing your vehicle................. 233
Engine block heater.................. 122
Engine coolant.................... 191
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

287
Index
Spark plugs, specifications............... 229
Special driving conditions............... 145
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 231
Speed control
turning off...................... 64
when towing a trailer................ 144
Speedometer...................... 20
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............ 117
starting a cold engine................ 118
starting after a collision............... 149
starting a warm engine............... 120
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 169
Steering, power.................... 130
Steering wheel
horn......................... 62
locking........................ 56
tilting........................ 63
Storage compartments.................. 55
center console..................... 76
Storing your vehicle.................. 232
Sunroof (moon roof)................... 67
Sun visor........................ 70
Supplemental air bag readiness light........... 16
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........... 96
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996