service FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G User Guide

Electronic Sound Systems
45
*
[AS35600(ALL)08/95]2.
Terrain
*
[AS35700(ALL)08/95]
The terrain (hilly, mountainous, tall buildings) of the area over
which the signal travels may prevent the FM signal from being
noise-free.
*
[AS36850(ALL)04/95]3.
Rounded off frequencies
*
[AS36900(ALL)08/95]
Some FM radio stations advertise a ªrounded-offº frequency
which is not the frequency they actually broadcast on. For
example, a radio station that is assigned a frequency of 98.7
MHz may call itself ªRadio 99º even though 99.0 MHz is not an
allowable FM broadcast frequency.
%*
[AS37000(ALL)08/95]
Important Warranty and Service Information
*
[AS37050(ALL)07/90]
n
Warranty
*
[AS37100(ALL)08/95]
Your sound system is warranted for three years or 36,000 miles
(60,000 kilometers), whichever comes first. Consult your vehicle
warranty booklet for further information. Ask your dealer for a
copy of this limited warranty.
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[AS37150(ALL)07/90]
n
Service
*
[AS37200(ALL)04/96]
At Ford, we stand behind our audio systems with a
comprehensive service and repair program. If anything should
go wrong with your Ford audio system, return to your dealer
for service. There is a nationwide network of qualified Ford
authorized repair centers to assist you.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
97
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[SS09801(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should
always wear their safety belts, failure to do so may
increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a
collision.
*
[SS09901(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The right front passenger air bag is not designed to
restrain occupants in the center front seating position.
*
[SS10001(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the
air bag covers that may come into contact with an
inflating air bag. Failure to follow these instructions may
increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a
collision.
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[SS10101(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[SS10201(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you are close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously
injure you. Position your seat such that it is as far back
from the steering wheel as possible but still allows you
to properly control the vehicle.
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100
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[SS11801(ALL)03/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
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[SS11901(ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness
light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS12001(ALL)03/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
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[SS12101(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS12201(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
%*
[SS12301(ALL)12/95]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS12401(ALL)03/96]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system
may not function properly in the event of a collision.
*
[SS12501(ALL)03/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles
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[SS12601(ALL)03/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
%*
[SS13400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Restraints for Children
*
[SS13500(ALL)01/96]
In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety
restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle Ð
this generally includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less Ð you must
put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these
children. Check your local and state laws for specific
requirements.
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Starting
123
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[TO06000(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO06100(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO06200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
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[TO06300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
*
[TO06400(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked
whenever:
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[TO06500(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
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[TO06600(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
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[TO06700(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
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[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[TO06900(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch
(2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to
bring in outside air.
[TO07000(ALL)12/95]
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on medium or high with
the function control knob turned to FLR, PNL/FLR or PANEL.
[TO07100(ALL)12/95]
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on medium or
high with the A/C button pressed. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

126
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[GF01400(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF01500(ALL)02/96]
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.
%*
[GF01600(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF01700(ALL)01/96]
Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped)
*
[GF01800(ALL)12/95]
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
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.
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[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
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.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
127
[GF02000(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF02100(ALL)12/95]
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.
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[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
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
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
129
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[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF03200(ALL)02/96]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[GF03300(ALL)12/95]
The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning
on slippery roads.
[GF03400(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03500(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03600(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03700(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF03800(ALL)12/95]
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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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

142
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[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[GF14300(ALL)12/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the
tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of
the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[GF14400(ALL)12/95]
New vehicles should be driven 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before
towing a trailer.
*
[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[GF14600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
*
[GF14700(ALL)12/95]
You should also limit your trailer's load when you tow in high
altitudes.
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[GF14800(ALL)03/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[GF15000(ALL)12/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The
bumper is not designed to bear the load.
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Driving
145
[GF17000(ALL)12/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the automatic transaxle to 1
(First) when descending. This will give more engine braking on
downgrades. The automatic transaxle will automatically
downshift to the proper gear on upgrades.
%*
[GF17100(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
*
[GF17200(ALL)12/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[GF17300(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
%*
[GF17400(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF17500(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF17600(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF17700(ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
%*
[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF17900(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF18000(ALL)12/95]
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.
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150
[ER00700(ALL)04/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0000530-D
The left-hand trim panel in the driver's footwell
*
[ER00800(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
*
[ER00900(ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
substantial jolt:
*
[ER01000(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER01100(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER01200(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996