steering wheel FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G User Guide

Seating and Safety Restraints
97
*
[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.
*
[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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118
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[TO02200(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
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[TO02300(ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO02400(ALL)01/96]1.
Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleat the
beginning of this section.
*
[TO02500(ALL)01/96]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to the ON position.
*
[TO02600(ALL)01/96]3.
DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is
parked.
*
[TO02700(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the
engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position
after the engine has started.
*
[TO02800(ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly because it may be binding.
%*
[TO02900(ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
[TO03000(ALL)12/95]
2.0L engine:
[TO03100(ALL)12/95]
n
At temperaturesbelow-10ÊF (-23ÊC):Turn the key to ON,
crank the engine and depress the accelerator about 1/4 of
the way down and hold that position forfive (5) seconds.If
the engine fails to start, continue to crank with the
accelerator depressed about 1/4 of the way down and hold
that position until the engine starts.DO NOT crank for
more than 30 seconds,or you could damage the starter. If
the engine fails to start on the first try, turn the key to OFF
and wait two (2) minutes before trying again. Allow engine
to warm up for a few minutes before putting transaxle into
gear.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:39 1996

125
Driving
*
[GF00200(ALL)01/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on
which type oftransaxleyour vehicle has. You may be familiar
with the term ªtransmission.º We usetransaxlebecause it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have front-wheel drive.
*
[GF00300(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle will have one of the following types of transaxles:
[GF00400(ALL)12/95]
n
an automatic overdrive transaxle with transaxle control
switch, or
*
[GF00500(ALL)12/95]
n
a manual transaxle.
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[GF00600(ALL)12/95]
If you are not sure which transaxle your vehicle has, talk to
your dealer.
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[GF00700(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control
Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out
mode to promote durability.
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[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
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[GF00900(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF01000(ALL)12/95]
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.
[GF01100(ALL)12/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, it may have
four-wheel power disc brakes or power front disc brakes and
rear drum brakes, which adjust automatically as the brake pads
or linings wear down.
*
[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, apply the brake
pedal gradually. Use the ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the
brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which
lets you steer properly.
*
[GF01300(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, extreme braking
can make the wheels lock and slide, causing you to lose control
of the steering. If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal and
repeat the ªsqueezeº technique.
File:09cdgfo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Driving
129
*
[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.
%*
[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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130
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[GF03900(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
Driving with an Automatic Overdrive
Transaxle
[GF04400(ALL)12/95]
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic
operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the transaxle control
switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift
manually.
%*
[GF04500(ALL)02/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04600(ALL)12/95]
You must push in the thumb button to move the gearshift to
the position you choose.
*
[GF04700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
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146
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[GF18100(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[GF18200(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
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[GF18400(ALL)12/95]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your wheels.
*
[GF18500(ALL)01/96]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF18600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into 1 (First) with the automatic transaxle
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle when
moving faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
*
[GF18700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.
*
[GF18800(ALL)01/96]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your vehicle gets stuck
(for example, in mud or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of
the spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and reverse
gears. While in each gear, press lightly on the accelerator and
release.
*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Roadside Emergencies
161
[ER04900(ALL)12/95]
Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical
parts to work again once the overload on the circuit is gone. If
the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your
vehicle's electrical system checked.
*
[ER05000(ALL)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same
amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the
fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it
straight out of its socket.
%*
[ER05100(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
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[ER05200(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER05300(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
%*
[ER05400(ALL)02/96]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER05500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996

Roadside Emergencies
175
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[ER13900(ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
*
[ER14000(ALL)12/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
*
[ER14100(ALL)12/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[ER14200(ALL)12/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[ER14300(ALL)01/96]
n
Release the parking brake.
*
[ER14400(ALL)12/95]
n
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[ER14500(ALL)12/95]
n
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[ER14600(ALL)12/95]
n
Unlock the steering wheel.
[ER14700(ALL)12/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 35 mph
(55 km/h) or for a distance greater than 50 miles (80 km)
unless the drive wheels are placed on dollies.
[ER14800(ALL)12/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(90 km/h) if you have a manual transaxle. Your maximum
towing distance is unlimited.
*
[ER14900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when
you tow your vehicle. This could damage the bumper
and cause an accident.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 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
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288
T
Tachometer....................... 21
Tail lamps
bulb replacement................219, 223
cleaning...................... 226
Temperature control (see Climate control)......... 47
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints)...... 113
Tilt steering wheel.................... 63
Tires......................... 203
changing...................... 161
checking the pressure................ 203
cleaning...................... 227
inspection and maintenance............. 205
replacing...................... 205
rotating...................... 204
snow tires and chains................ 208
spare tire...................... 162
storing your vehicle................. 234
tire grades..................... 206
treadwear..................... 206
wear bands..................... 205
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).......... 141
Towing your vehicle.................. 174
using wheel dollies................. 174
with a tow truck.................. 174
Traction control.................... 129
Trailer towing..................... 141
calculating maximum trailer weight.......... 141
safety chains.................... 143
tips........................ 144
trailer brakes.................... 143
trailer lamps.................... 144
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996