maintenance schedule FORD CONTOUR 1999 2.G Owners Manual

112
Driving
BRAKES
Your brakes are self-adjusting.
Refer to the ÒScheduled
Maintenance GuideÓ for
maintenance intervals.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
(if equipped)
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lock-up during
brake applications and
compensating for this tendency.
The wheels are prevented from
locking even when the brakes are
firmly applied, helping to ensure
that the vehicle can be steered and
the driver can avoid obstacles.
Operation of the anti-lock
braking system
The anti-lock braking system is not
employed during normal braking. It
becomes operational only when it
senses differences in the rotational
speed of the road wheels,
indicating that they are about to
lock-up. Its operation is indicated
by a pulsing of the brake pedal. Do
not release the pedal while braking.
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Driving
131
Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
¥ Stay within your vehicleÕs load
limits.
¥ Thoroughly prepare your vehicle
for towing. Refer to Preparing to
towin this chapter.
¥ Use extra caution when driving
while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving while towing a trailerin
this chapter.
¥ Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty schedule
in the maintenance guide and or
service guide.
¥ Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800 km (500 miles).
¥ Refer to the instructions
included with towing accessories
for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
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Driving
136
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
¥ lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance,
¥ excessive speed,
¥ rapid acceleration,
¥ driving with the brake pedal
depressed,
¥ sudden stops,
¥ extended engine idling,
¥ use of speed control in hilly
terrain,
¥ extended use of the air
conditioner, defroster, rear window
defroster and other accessories,
¥ underinflated tires,
¥ heavy loads,
¥ aftermarket add-ons such as
bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
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Maintenance and care
166
6. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is beyond
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Continuous contact with
used motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer to Checking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the
normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make
sure the oil level is not above
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
Change your engine oil and oil filter
according to the scheduled mileage
and time requirements, whichever
occurs first.
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Maintenance and care
174
Automatic transaxle fluid
Follow the scheduled service
intervals outlined in the
maintenance guide and or service
guide.
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type is used. The type
of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick
handle and also in the Lubricant
specifications section in the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the hole at the
bottom of the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10¡C
(50¡F).
Your transaxle does not use up
fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transaxle fluid
at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transaxle
is not working properly, i.e., if the
transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if
you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transaxle fluid should be checked
at normal operating temperatures
of 66¡C - 77¡C (150¡F - 170¡F) on a
level surface while the engine is
running in the P (Park) gearshift
lever position. The normal
operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 32 km
(20 miles) of driving.
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Maintenance and care
196
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with
various emission control
components and a catalytic
converter which will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To
make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission
control components continue to
work properly:
¥ Use unleaded fuel only.
¥ Avoid running out of fuel.
¥ Do not turn off the ignition while
your vehicle is moving, especially
at high speeds.
¥ Have the items listed in your
maintenance guide and or service
guide performed according to the
specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance
services listed in the maintenance
guide and or service guide are
required because they are
considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft, or
Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for
service of components affecting
emissions control, such non-Ford
parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company parts
in performance and durability.
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