charging FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual

14
%*
[IS03100(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and
that you need to have the electrical system checked.
[IS03300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000293-C*
[IS03400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the ignition to the
ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off
when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
%*
[IS03600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
*
[IS03700(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly when you turn your
key to the START and ON position. The light should stay off
when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. If the
light comes on while the engine is running, you have lost oil
pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
[IS03800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0000294-BFile:03cdiso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:58:17 1996

Roadside Emergencies
169
*
[ER10200(ALL)12/95]
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
*
[ER10300(ALL)12/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the lug nut
wrench over the lug nut key and, while applying pressure on
the key, install the lug nut.
%*
[ER10400(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[ER10500(ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any
electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[ER10600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[ER10700(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
%*
[ER10800(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.
%*
[ER10900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 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

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

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
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

273
Index
Brakes (continued)
power braking................... 125
servicing...................... 188
stopping distances.................. 145
trailer....................... 143
when storing your vehicle.............. 234
Brake-shift interlock.................. 131
Break-in period..................... 5
Brights (high beams)................... 15
Bulbs, replacing.................... 219
halogen...................... 220
headlamps..................... 220
high-mount brakelamp................ 222
specifications.................... 223
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 244
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 245
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 230
Carbon monoxide in exhaust.............. 123
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)...... 102
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system) . . . 38, 42
Catalytic converter................... 216
Chains, tires...................... 208
Changing a tire.................... 161
Charging system warning light.............. 14
Childproof locks..................... 71
Child safety restraints................. 100
child safety belts.................. 114
child safety seats.................. 102
Child safety seats................... 102
and air bags.................... 102
attaching with tether straps............. 113
automatic locking mode (retractor).........91,102
in front seat..................102, 104
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996

282
L
Lamps
bulb replacement specifications chart......... 223
checking...................... 219
daytime running light system............. 53
dome lamps..................... 54
fog lamps...................... 53
hazard flashers.................. 62,149
headlamps...................... 52
high-mount brakelamp............... 222
instrument panel, dimming.............. 54
interior lamps.................. 52,54
replacing bulbs................... 219
trailer....................... 144
Lap belts........................ 93
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 16
anti-lock brakes (ABS)................. 21
brake........................ 13
charging system................... 14
check engine..................... 18
engine oil pressure.................. 14
high beam...................... 15
low coolant...................... 22
Overdrive off indicator (automatic transaxle only).... ??
safety belt...................... 12
turn signal indicator.................. 19
Load limits...................... 139
GAWR....................... 139
GVWR....................... 139
trailer towing.................... 141
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:12:35 1996