maintenance FORD CONTOUR 1997 2.G Owners Manual

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[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroduction...................... 1
Instrumentation..................... 7
Audio......................... 23
Controls and Features.................. 47
Seating and Safety Restraints............... 83
Starting....................... 117
Driving....................... 125
Roadside Emergencies................. 149
Maintenance and Care................. 177
Capacities and Specifications.............. 229
Reporting Safety Defects................ 235
Customer Assistance................. 237
Accessories...................... 247
Quick Index..................... 259
Index......................... 271
Service Station Information.............. 292
File:01cdpio.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 10:57:00 1996

Introduction
3
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[II02100(ALL)03/96]
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book provides a page
number following each item which indicates where detailed
information can be found.
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[II02200(ALL)01/96]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book and search in the
alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the
information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We have designed the
Index so that you can find information under a technical term.
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[II02300(ALL)01/96]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
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[II02400(ALL)01/96]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by
writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service
Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y
4G3.
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[II02500(ALL)01/96]
Your Maintenance Schedule and Record
Booklet
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[II02600(ALL)03/96]
TheMaintenance Schedulebooklet lists the services that are most
important for keeping your vehicle in good condition. A record
log is also provided to help you keep track of all services
performed.
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[II02700(ALL)01/96]
About the Warranties
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[II02800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties:Basic
Vehicle Warranty,Extended Warrantieson certain parts, and
Emissions Warranties.
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[II02900(ALL)01/96]
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully to find out
about your vehicle's warranties and your basic rights and
responsibilities.
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[II03000(ALL)03/96]
If you lose yourWarranty Information Booklet,you can get a new
one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer,
or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this Owner's Guide.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 10:57:06 1996

4
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Ford Extended Service Plan
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[II03150(ALL)04/96]
More Protection for Your Vehicle
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[II03175(ALL)04/96]
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing a Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP). Ford ESP
is the only extended service program with the Ford name on it
and the only service contract backed by Ford Motor Company.
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[II03200(ALL)04/96]
Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed and
administered by Ford. It provides:
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[II03225(ALL)04/96]
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protection against repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper
Warranty expires;
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[II03250(ALL)04/96]
and
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[II03275(ALL)04/96]
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other benefits during the warranty period (such as:
reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain maintenance
and wear items).
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[II03300(ALL)04/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor
Company dealer. There are several Ford ESP plans available in
various time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental. (In Hawaii, rules vary. See your
dealer for details.)
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[II03325(ALL)04/96]
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a
network of more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor Company
dealers.
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[II03350(ALL)04/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United States and
Canada are not eligible for ESP coverage.
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[II03375(ALL)04/96]
This information is subject to change, ask your dealer for
complete details about Ford ESP coverage.
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6 pica art:0000295-B*
[IS04700(ALL)08/95]
Chime for Headlamps On
[IS04800(ALL)12/95]
This chime sounds if the driver's door is open when the parking
lamps or headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you close
the door or turn off the lamps.
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[IS04900(ALL)03/96]
Air Bag Readiness Light
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[IS05000(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:Maintenance of the air bag system
is not required.
[IS05100(ALL)12/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it
will not light or a group of five beeps will be heard.
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[IS05200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have
the air bag system serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.
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44
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[AS28300(ALL)04/96]
Using the Power Antenna
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[AS28400(ALL)04/96]
The power antenna will automatically rise when your radio is
turned on and the ignition is in the ON or ACC position. It will
lower when either the radio or the ignition is turned off.
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[AS28450(ALL)04/96]
Power antenna maintenance and care
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[AS28500(ALL)04/96]
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Never drive your vehicle through a car wash with the power
antenna mast extended. This can cause damage to the
antenna mast, which is not covered under warranty. Turn off
your radio and/or the vehicle. This will automatically retract
the antenna.
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[AS28600(ALL)04/96]
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If your power antenna mast ever becomes damaged, the
mast may not extend or retract properly which might limit
reception performance. In this case, it is not necessary to
replace the entire power antenna assembly. A replacement
mast can be obtained from your dealership for a nominal fee.
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[AS28700(ALL)04/96]
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Occasionally, the power antenna mast should be wiped clean
with mild soap and water or denatured alcohol. This
prevents debris from accumulating on the mast which can
cause excessive wear and decrease the power antenna life.
Never use petroleum-based products to clean your antenna
mast.
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[AS35200(ALL)04/96]
Common Radio Reception Conditions
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[AS35300(ALL)08/95]
Several conditions prevent FM reception from being completely
clear and noise-free, such as the following:
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[AS35400(ALL)08/95]1.
Distance/Strength
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[AS35500(ALL)08/95]
The strength of the FM signal is directly related to the distance
the signal must travel. The listenable range of an average FM
signal is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers). Beyond this
distance, the radio is operating in a fringe area and the signal
becomes weaker.
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Update:Thu Sep 12 10:59:17 1996

Controls and Features
51
[CF04300(ALL)12/95]
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (if equipped)
[CF04400(ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle may have an air filter that removes pollen and
road dust from outside air before it is directed to the interior of
the vehicle. For maintenance of this filter, see theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
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Rear Window Defroster (If equipped)
[CF04600(ALL)04/96]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost, fog, or thin ice
from both the inside and outside of the rear window.
[CF04700(ALL)12/95]
The button for the rear window defroster is on the instrument
panel, to the right of the steering wheel.
[CF04800(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0001180-C
The rear window defroster and heated side view mirrors
[CF04900(ALL)12/95]
Clear away any snow that is on the rear window before using
the defroster. With the engine running, push the defroster
button.
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[CF05000(ALL)01/96]
After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster will turn off. If
the window is still not clear, turn the defroster on again.
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[CF05100(ALL)01/96]
The defroster will turn off when the ignition key is turned to
the OFF or START position.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
95
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RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions will affect the
performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of
personal injury.
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Safety Belt Maintenance
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[SS08600(ALL)02/96]
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that
they work properly and are not damaged.
[SS08700(ALL)12/95]
Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any collision. Ford
recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles
involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was
minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not
show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not
need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a
collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage
or improper operation is noted.
[SS08800(ALL)12/95]
Safety Belt Warning Label
[SS08900(ALL)12/95]
A warning label has been placed on the buckle of each of your
vehicle's front seat safety belts.
[SS09000(ALL)12/95]
In a collision of sufficient severity while the safety belt is in use,
the safety belt buckle will pull out of the sleeve so that all or
part of the orange portion of the label is visible.
[SS09100(ALL)12/95]
RWARNING
Whenever the orange portion of the label is visible, the
safety belt must be replaced.
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100
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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.
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[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]
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SS12201(ALL)03/96]
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the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
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[SS12301(ALL)12/95]
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a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
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[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.
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[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.
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[SS13400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Restraints for Children
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[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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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

Driving
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF17200(ALL)12/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[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.
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[GF17400(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
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[GF17500(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
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[GF17900(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
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[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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Update:Thu Sep 12 11:04:39 1996

Roadside Emergencies
173
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[ER12500(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
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[ER12600(ALL)02/96]1.
Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the
engine at a moderate speed.
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[ER12700(ALL)02/96]2.
Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then
start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before
the vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start after several
attempts, there may be a different problem.
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[ER12800(ALL)02/96]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the discharged battery.
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[ER12900(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
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[ER13000(ALL)02/96]1.
Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
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[ER13100(ALL)03/96]2.
Remove the negative (s) cable from the booster battery.
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[ER13200(ALL)02/96]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
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[ER13300(ALL)02/96]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
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[ER13400(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while
with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery
recharge. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive
modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery charger
to fully recharge the battery.
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[ER13500(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin the
Maintenance and Carechapter.
File:10cdero.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:06:09 1996