FORD CONTOUR 1998 2.G Owners Manual

Contents
1
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 17
Seating and safety restraints 47
Starting and driving
Starting 79
Driving 87
Roadside emergencies 110
Servicing
Maintenance and care 128
Capacities and specifications 186
Reporting safety defects (U. S. only) 192
Index 193
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Introduction
2ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on
Warnings for
a full explanation.
Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps toward this
aim.
BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too fast during the first
1600 km (1000 miles). Vary
speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle and its equipment?
In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.
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Introduction
3 INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE
The information found in this guide
was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation. If possible, you should avoid hard
breaking for the first 1 600 km
(1000 miles).
From 1600 km (1000 miles)
onwards you can gradually increase
the performance of your vehicle up
to the permitted maximum speeds.
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4
Instrumentation
Page 30
Turn signal/high beam
Page 6
Instrument clusterPage 29
Hazard flasher
control
Page 31
Windshield
wiper/washer
control
Page 132
Hood release
Page 17
Headlamp control/
Foglamp control*Page 28
Tilt steering
wheel leverPage 27
Ignition switch
Page 32
Speed control*
Page 29
Horn Page 19
Rear window
defroster control*
Page 20
Power mirrors*
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
Res
Set
Acc
CoastOff
On
NORMALEF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
BRAKE000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
100
110
120
130MPH
20 406055
80120 100
140
160
180
20012
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
MIRRORS
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5
Instrumentation
Page 21
Clock Page 19
Instrument panel dimmer
switch
On various models the
appearance and location of
some items may differ from
those shown here. However,
the page references given
still apply.
HM:
I0 20
OFF LOPNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
POWERAUDIOAM/FM
SCAN
SEEK 312645ANSSIDE1-2EJECTVOLUME
Page 22
Climate control system
Electronic sound system;
refer to “Audio Guide” Page 45
Anti-theft system status
indicator*
*if equipped
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Instrumentation
6Turn signal
Flashes when the left or right turn
signal or hazard lights are
activated. There are two different instrument
cluster designs. The individual
warning and indicator lights are
described on the following pages.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINETRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Alternative design
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Instrumentation
7 High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on. Charging system
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. The light also illuminates
when the battery is not charging
properly and the vehicle may
require electrical system service.
Safety belt
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten
the safety belts. For more
information, refer to
Safety belt
indicator light and warning
chime in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.
Alternative design
Alternative design
Alternative design
CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 7

Instrumentation
8Low coolant (if equipped)
Briely illuminates when the ignition
is turned on and the engine is off.
Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
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Instrumentation
9 O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off.
Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.
If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
Check engine
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned on and the engine is off.
Also illuminates when the engine’s
emission control system requires
service or if the fuel filler cap is
not fitted correctly.CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINELow fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level is
low.
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Instrumentation
10
CHECK
ENGINEAir bag readiness
Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately.
CHECK
ENGINE
Front foglamps
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamps controlin the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
000123
000010 20 3040506070
80
90
110
120
130
MPH
20 4060
55
80120 100
140
160
180
200100
EF 1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
12
03
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
NORMAL
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFFCHECK
ENGINE
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