FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual

224
%*
[MC37700(ALL)04/96]
Cleaning Your Vehicle
*
[MC37800(ALL)01/96]
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint,
especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as
necessary to keep it clean.
*
[MC37900(ALL)01/96]
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical
industrial fallout.
*
[MC38000(ALL)01/96]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in
paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement
in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford
has authorized its dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner,
the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout
within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.
%*
[MC38100(ALL)01/96
]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
*
[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with
a mild detergent.
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
DO NOT:
*
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash your vehicle with hot water
*
[MC38500(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight
*
[MC38600(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
*
[MC38700(ALL)01/96]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the
finish.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
225
%*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do
not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with
a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for
routine cleaning.
*
[MC39200(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC39300(ALL)01/96
]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed
rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is
not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC39400(ALL)02/96
]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC39500(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach
or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.
*
[MC39600(ALL)12/95]
Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone trim with a soft
cloth and a glass cleaner. Do not use paper towel or any
abrasive cleaner to clean either the lens or the woodtone trim as
these may cause scratches.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

226
%*
[MC39700(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC39800(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or
crack the lamps.
%*
[MC39900(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC40000(ALL)01/96]
Leather
*
[MC40100(ALL)01/96]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth.
For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a leather and
vinyl cleaner or a mild soap.
%*
[MC40200(ALL)01/96
]
Fabric
*
[MC40300(ALL)01/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum
cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions
that come with the cleaner.
*
[MC40400(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden
area of fabric. If the fabric's color or texture is
adversely affected by a particular cleaner, do not use
it.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

Maintenance and Care
227
*
[MC40500(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC40600(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a buildup of grease and
dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than usual.
*
[MC40700(ALL)01/96]
n
Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to
clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate
sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC40800(ALL)04/96]
n
In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or
fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection
pump with cold water.
*
[MC40900(ALL)04/96]
n
The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered.
Covering these components will help prevent water damage.
*
[MC41000(ALL)01/96]
n
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water
getting into the engine may cause internal damage.
%*
[MC41100(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC41200(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[MC41300(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
File:11cdmco.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:18 1996

229
Capacities and Specifications
*
[CS00200(ALL)01/96]
Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and
Lubricant Specifications
%*
[CS00300(ALL)01/96]
Motorcraft Parts
[CS00400(ALL)04/96]
eighteen pica
chart:0000385-NFile:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

230
%*
[CS00500(ALL)02/96]
Fluid Specifications and Capacities
[CS00600(ALL)04/96]
twenty-four pica
chart:0000386-TFile:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

Capacities and Specifications
231
%*
[CS00700(ALL)01/96]
Lubricant Specifications
[CS00800(ALL)04/96]
twenty-six pica
chart:0000722-RFile:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

232
%*
[CS00900(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[CS01000(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[CS01100(ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of
time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance
recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[CS01200(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[CS01300(ALL)01/96]
n
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[CS01400(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[CS01500(ALL)01/96]
n
If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular
maintenance to protect against rust and damage.
*
[CS01600(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[CS01700(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or
mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing and
underside of front fenders.
*
[CS01800(ALL)01/96]
n
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
*
[CS01900(ALL)01/96]
n
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
*
[CS02000(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of
auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when
the vehicle is washed.
*
[CS02100(ALL)01/96]
n
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches
with a light grade oil.
*
[CS02200(ALL)01/96]
n
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[CS02300(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 1996

Capacities and Specifications
233
%*
[CS02400(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS02500(ALL)01/96]
n
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches
normal operating temperature.
*
[CS02600(ALL)01/96]
n
With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears
while the engine is running.
%*
[CS02700(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS02800(ALL)01/96]
n
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first
automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
*
[CS02900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or
more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system
and may also clog small orifices.
*
[CS03000(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions
on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed
to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[CS03100(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will
protect the fuel system's inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow
the instructions packaged with the product.
%*
[CS03200(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS03300(ALL)01/96]
n
Protect against freezing temperatures.
File:12cdcso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:08:45 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