engine FORD CONTOUR 1999 2.G Owners Manual

Customer assistance
229
After a case is reviewed, the Board
mails you a decision letter and a
form on which to accept or reject
the Board's decision. The decisions
of the Board are binding on Ford
(and, in some cases, on the dealer)
but not on consumers who are free
to pursue other remedies available
to them under state or federal law.
To request a DSB
brochure/application
For a brochure/application, speak
to your dealer or write/call to the
Board at the following
address/phone number:
Dispute Settlement Board
P.O. Box 5120
Southfield, MI 48086-5120
1-800-428-3718
You may also contact the North
American Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-392-3673 (Ford).
TDD for the hearing impaired:
1-800-232-5952 or by writing to the
Center at the following address:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48121GETTING ASSISTANCE
OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND
CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a
foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassy or
consulate. These officials can
inform you of local vehicle
registration regulations and where
to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or
can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended
for your vehicle, contact a district
or owner relations/customer
assistance office.
The use of leaded fuel in your
vehicle without proper conversion
may damage the effectiveness of
your emission control system and
may cause engine knocking or
serious engine damage. Ford Motor
Company/Ford of Canada is not
responsible for any damage caused
by use of improper fuel.
In the United States, using leaded
fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into
the U.S.
33CCAen 3/25/99 3:53 PM Page 229

Customer assistance
231
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner
* May be sold with the Motorcraft
name
A wide selection of accessories is
available through your local
authorized Ford, Lincoln-Mercury
or Ford of Canada dealer. These
quality accessories have been
specifically engineered to fulfill
your automotive needs; they are
custom designed to complement
the style and aerodynamic
appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made
from high quality materials and
meets or exceeds Ford's rigid
engineering and safety
specifications. Ford accessories are
warranted for up to 12 months or
20,000 km (12,000 miles) on all
cars and light trucks and 12
months with unlimited distance on
medium/heavy duty trucks unless
the accessory is installed on a new
vehicle, then the warranty becomes
the balance of the new vehicle's
warranty or the accessories
warranty, whichever is greater. See
your dealer for complete warranty
information and availability.
Not all accessories are
available for all models.Vehicle Security
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Air conditioner
Air filtration systems
Cargo nets
Cargo organizers
Cargo shades
Cargo trays
Dash trim
Engine block heaters
Gear shift knob
Luggage presenter (Continental
only)
Manual sliding rear window
Tire step
33CCAen 3/25/99 3:53 PM Page 231

Customer assistance
233
For maximum vehicle performance,
keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or
equipment to your vehicle:
¥ When adding accessories,
equipment, passengers and luggage
to your vehicle, do not exceed the
total weight capacity of the vehicle
or of the front or rear axle (GVWR
or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label).
Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
¥ The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Canadian
Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulate the
use of mobile communications
systems - such as two-way radios,
telephones and theft alarms - that
are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should
comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed
only by a qualified service
technician.¥ Mobile communications systems
may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not
properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed.
When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or
stall. In addition, such systems may
be damaged or their performance
may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB]
transceivers, garage door openers
and other transmitters with
outputs of five watts or less will not
ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
¥ Ford cannot assume
responsibility for any adverse
effects or damage that may result
from the use of such equipment.
33CCAen 3/25/99 3:53 PM Page 233

Index
236
APage
Accessory position on
the ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Additives, engine oil . . . . . . . . .165
Air bag supplemental
restraint system
and child safety seats . . . . . . . .84
description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
indicator light . . . . . . . . . . .13, 87
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
wearing safety belts . . . . . . . . .83
Air conditioning
(see Climate control system)
Alarm, activating panic . . . . . . . .67
Antenna, radio
(see Audio sytem) . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .112
Anti-theft system (see Passive
Anti-Theft System) . . . . . . . . . . .69
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Automatic transaxle
driving with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
fluid, adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
fluid, checking . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .218
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
B
Backing up . . . . . . . . . . . . .119, 125
Battery
charging system warning light . .7
jumping a disabled battery . . .150
proper disposal, recycling . . . .178
replacement, specifications . .217
servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
BPage
Brake fluid
checking and adding . . . . . . . .168
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Brake-shift interlock . . . . . . . . .118
Brakelamps
(see Bulb replacement)
Brakes
anti-lock brake system (ABS) 112
brake warning light . . . . . . . . . .14
fluid, checking and adding . . .168
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .218
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Built-in child seat
folding up the seat . . . . . . . . . .98
inspection after a collision . . . .98
interlock safety feature . . . . . . .94
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
retractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Break-in period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Bulbs, replacing
foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
high-mounted brake lamp . . . .204
license plate lamp . . . . . . . . . .203
rear lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
C
Cabin air filter . . . . . . . . . . .31, 180
Capacities for refilling fluids . . .218
Carbon monoxyde in exhaust . .197
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . .196
Chains, tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Changing a tire . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Charging system warning light . . .7
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237
Index
CPage
Child safety restraints
built-in child seat . . . . . . . . . . .93
child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . .99
children and safety belts . . .89, 91
Child safety seats
and air bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
attaching with tether straps . .102
automatic locking mode . . . . . .77
Childproof safety locks . . . . . . . .63
Chimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Circuit breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment . . . . . . . .213
exterior lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .215
plastic exterior parts . . . . . . . .214
safety belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Climate control system
air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
controlling airflow . . . . . . . . . . .24
defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Clutch
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
recommended shift speeds . . .124
Cold engine starting . . . . . . . . .110
Controls
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . .18
power seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Customer assistance . . . . . . . . .223DPage
Daytime running lights . . . . . . . .21
Defects, reporting . . . . . . . . . . .235
Defrost
rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Dipstick, engine oil . . . . . . . . . .163
Door mounted controls . . . . . . . .62
Driving under special conditions
heavy load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . .130
E
Electrical system
fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Emergencies, roadside
fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .137
jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Emergency brake (see Parking
brake)
Emission control system . . . . . .196
Engine
check engine warning light . . . .10
fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .137
lubricant specifications . . . . . .219
preparing to start . . . . . . . . . .107
refill capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .218
starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Engine block heater . . . . . . . . .111
Engine coolant
checking and adding . . . . . . . .167
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
low coolant warning light . . . . . .9
refilll capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .218
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Engine fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
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Index
238
EPage
Engine oil
changing oil and filter . . . . . . .165
checking and adding . . . . . . . .165
dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
engine oil pressure
warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
filter specifications . . . . . . . . .217
refill capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .218
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Exhaust fumes . . . . . . . . . .106, 197
F
Fan (see Engine fan)
Flasher, hazard . . . . . . . . . .54, 137
Flashing the lights . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Fluid refill capacities . . . . . . . . .218
Foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 202
Fuel
calculating fuel economy . . . .195
capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
choosing the right fuel . . . . . .192
consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
low fuel warning light . . . . . . . .13
octane rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
running out of fuel . . . . . . . . .196
safety information relating
to automotive fuels . . . . . . . . .190
Fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .137
Fuse panels
engine compartment . . . . . . . .140
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .142
FPage
Fuses
charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141, 144
checking and replacing . . . . . .139
G
Gas mileage (see Fuel)
Gauges
engine coolant temperature . . .18
fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
trip odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) . . .127
Gearshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117, 123
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) .127
H
Hazard flashers . . . . . . . . . .54, 137
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Headlamps
aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
bulb specifications . . . . . . . . .206
daytime running light . . . . . . . .21
flashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
high beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
replacing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . .200
turning on and off . . . . . . . . . . .20
warning chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
High beams
indicator light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
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Index
239
HPage
High-mount brakelamp . . . . . . .204
Hood
latch location . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
I
Identification Number, Vehicle
(VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Idle, relearning . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Idle, speed . . . . . . . . . . . . .179, 220
Ignition
chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
positions on the ignition . . . . . .52
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Instrument panel
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
lighting up the panel . . . . . . . . .23
Integrated child seat (see Built-in
child seat)
Intermittent wipers . . . . . . . . . . .56
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
J
Jack
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Jump starting your vehicle
attaching cables . . . . . . . . . . . .151
disconnecting cables . . . . . . . .154
K
Keys
key in ignition warning chime .17
positions of the ignition . . . . . .52
LPage
Lamps
bulb replacement specification
chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
daytime running light system . .21
flashing the lamps . . . . . . . . . . .55
foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 202
hazard flashers . . . . . . . . .54, 137
headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
high beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
high-mounted brake lamp . . . .204
instrument panel, dimming . . .22
interior lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
reading lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
replacing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . .200
rear lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
anti-lock brakes (ABS) . . . . . . .15
brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
charging system . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
check engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
engine oil pressure . . . . . . . . . .16
high beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
low coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
low fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
overdrive off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
safety belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
testing the warning lights . . . . .17
turn signal indicator . . . . . . . . . .6
Load limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Lubricant specifications . . . . . .219
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . .64
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Index
240
MPage
Maintenance (see Servicing)
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse) . . . . . . . .125
clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
fluid, capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
shift speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Mileage, calculating fuel
economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) . . . .23
Motorcraft parts . . . . . . . . . . . .217
N
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
O
Octane rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Oil (see Engine oil)
Oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165, 217
On-board diagnostic (OBD II)
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198
Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 120
Overhead controls . . . . . . . . . . . .61
P
Panel dimmer control . . . . . . . . .22
Panic alarm, remote entry sytem 67
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) . . .217
Passenger compartment
air filter (see Cabin air filter) . .181
Passive Anti-Theft
System (PATS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
PPage
Power distribution box
(see Fuses)
Power door locks . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Power features
mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding . . .173
fluid, refill capacity . . . . . . . . .218
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
R
Radio (see Audio system) . . . . . .32
Rear window defroster . . . . . . . .22
Refill capacities for fluids . . . . .218
Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Remote control
luggage compartment . . . . . . . .64
Remote entry system
locking/unlocking doors . . . . . .66
opening the trunk . . . . . . . . . . .67
panic alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
replacing the batteries . . . . . . .67
replacement/additional
transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Repairing paint chips . . . . . . . .212
Reporting safety defects . . . . . .235
Restraints, safety . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Rotating the tires . . . . . . . . . . . .185
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Index
241
SPage
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints)
Safety chains, when towing
a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Safety Compliance Certification
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Safety defects, reporting . . . . . .235
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts . .77, 79
automatic locking mode
(retractors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
cleaning the safety belts . . . . .216
extention assembly . . . . . . . . . .81
for children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
lap and shoulder belts . . . . . . . .76
maintenance . . . . . . . . . . .82, 216
vehicle sensitive locking mode .77
warning light and chime . . . .7, 17
Safety seats for children
and air bags . . . . . . . . . . . .84, 100
attaching with tether straps . .102
automatic locking mode
(retractors) . . . . . . . . . . . . .78, 99
built-in child seat . . . . . . . . . . .93
in front seat . . . . . . . . . . . .84, 100
tether anchorage hardware . .103
Seats
adjusting the seats, manual . . .72
adjusting the seats, power . . . .73
folding rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . .74
head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Servicing your vehicle . . . . . . . .158
Shift-lock system . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Shift positions (see Gearshift)
Snow tires and chains . . . . . . . .188
SPage
Spare tire
changing the tire . . . . . . . . . . .146
removing the spare tire . . . . . .148
temporary spare tire . . . . . . . .147
Spark plugs, certifications . . . .217
Specification charts, lubricants 219
Speed control
disengaging speed control . . . .60
return to a set speed . . . . . . . . .60
set a speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
set a higher speed . . . . . . . . . . .59
set a lower speed . . . . . . . . . . . .59
turn speed control off . . . . . . . .57
turn speed control on . . . . . . . .57
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start the vehicle .107
starting the engine . . . . . . . . .110
Steering column controls . . . . . .52
Steering wheel
horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Supplemental restraint
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Tail lamps (see Lamps)
Temperature control
(see Climate control)
Testing the warning lights . . . . . .17
Tether anchor installation
(see Child safety restraints)
Tilt steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . .53
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Index
242
TPage
Tires
changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
checking tire pressure . . . . . .185
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
inspection and maintenance . .185
replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
rotating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
snow tires and chains . . . . . . .188
spare tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
tire grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . .183, 186
wearbands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . .156
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Transaxle
automatic, operation . . . . . . . .117
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .218
lubricant specifications . . . . . .219
manual, operation . . . . . . . . . .123
Transmitter (see Remote entry)
Trip odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Trunk (see Luggage compartment)
remote release lever . . . . . . . . .64
using the remote entry system .66
Turn signal
indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
U
Used engine oil, disposal . . . . . .167
VPage
Variable interval wipers . . . . . . . .56
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Vehicle Emission Control
Information(VECI) . . . . . . . . . .198
Vehicle loading . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Ventilating your vehicle . . . . . .105
Viscosity (see Engne oil)
W
Warning chimes
headlamps on . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
key in ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
safety belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Warning lights (see Lights)
Washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . .163
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR) .127
Wheels
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
inspection and maintenance . .185
Windows
one-touch down . . . . . . . . . . . .62
power windows, operating . . . .62
rear, defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid . . . .168
checking and replacing
wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .219
variable interval wipers . . . . . . .56
Wrecker towing . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
4CInden 3/25/99 3:55 PM Page 242