check engine FORD CONTOUR 2000 2.G Service Manual

Maintenance and care
180
3. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park) and leave the engine
running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid level
should be in the designated areas
for normal and room temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the hole at the
bottom of the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transaxle fluid level should be
checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C - 77°C (150°F -
170°F) on a level surface. The
normal operating temperature can
be reached after approximately
30 km (20 miles) of driving.
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature of 66°C - 77°C
(150°F - 170°F).Normal operating temperature
66°C - 77°C (150°F - 170°F)Do not drive if below this area
31CMCen 17.6.99 11:15 Uhr Seite 180

Maintenance and care
197 Observe the following guidelines
when handling automotive fuel:
• Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before fueling
your vehicle.
• Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
• Make sure the fuel cap is
correctly fitted after fueling. Failure
to do so may cause the on board
diagnostic system to illuminate the
check enginelight.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately, even if no symptoms
are immediately apparent. The
toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.
• Fuels can also be harmful if
absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water.
• If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn),
flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
• Be particularly careful if you are
taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism. Breathing gasoline
vapors or skin contact could cause
an adverse reaction. Consult a
physician immediately.
31CMCen 17.6.99 11:15 Uhr Seite 197

Maintenance and care
200
The fuel system may be
under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it
stops before completely removing
the fuel filler cap. Otherwise fuel
may spray out and injure you or
others.
Fuel filler cap
If the check engineindicator
comes on and stays on when you
start the engine, the fuel filler cap
may not be properly installed. Turn
off the engine, remove the fuel
filler cap and reinstall it being
careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel
filler cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft part.
The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel
tank or fuel system if an
authorized Motorcraft fuel
filler cap is not used. Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines
to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates such as a maximum of
10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There
should be no more than 5%
methanol with cosolvents and
additives to protect the fuel
system.
31CMCen 17.6.99 11:15 Uhr Seite 200

Maintenance and care
203
BRAKE
O/D
OFFTRACTION
CONTROL
Alternative design Alternative design
Watch for fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
engine overheating, illumination of
the
charging systemwarning light
or the check enginewarning light.
These events could indicate that
the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in
entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Do not park, idle or drive
your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
31CMCen 17.6.99 11:15 Uhr Seite 203

Maintenance and care
204
Do not make any unauthorized
changes to your vehicle or engine.
By law, vehicle owners and anyone
who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of
vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission
control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your
vehicle's emission system is on the
Vehicle Emission Control
Information Decal located under
the hood. This decal identifies
engine displacement and gives
some tune up specifications.
Please consult your “Warranty
Guide“ for complete emission
warranty information.
Readiness for
inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing
In some localities, it may be a legal
requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II)
system. If your check enginelight
is on, refer to the description in the
Instrument Cluster Lights and
Chimessection of the
Instrumentation chapter. Your
vehicle may not pass the I/M test
with the check engine light on.
31CMCen 17.6.99 11:15 Uhr Seite 204

Maintenance and care
221 Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
Cleaning leather seats
(if equipped)
For routine cleaning, wipe the
surface with a soft, damp cloth. For
more thorough cleaning, wipe the
surface with a leather and vinyl
cleaner or a mild soap.
Ford recommends using the
Deluxe Leather Care Kit
F8AZ-196253-AA, which is
available from your Ford dealer.
This mild cleaner and special pad
cleans the leather and maintains its
natural beauty. Follow the
instructions on the cleaner label.
Regular cleaning of your leather
upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Cleaning the instrument panel
OFF LO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/CFLOOR
DEF FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C HI/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK 31245ANSSIDE 1-2EJECTVOLUME
000123000010 20 3040506070
80
90
10 0
110
120
13 0MPH20 406055
80120 10 0
14 0
160
18 0
200EF12
03x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
CHECK
ENGINE TRACTION
CONTROLO/D
OFF
MIRRORS
CLOCK
H C
Clean the instrument panel with a
damp cloth, then dry with a dry
cloth.
Any cleaner or polish that
increases the gloss of the upper
portion of the instrument panel
should be avoided. The dull finish
in this area is to help protect the
driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
31CMCen 17.6.99 11:16 Uhr Seite 221

Customer assistance
240ORDERING ADDITIONAL
OWNER'S LITERATURE
To order the publications in this
portfolio in the United States:
Make checks payable to:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07150
Detroit, Michigan, 48207
For a free publication catalog,
order toll free: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00
p.m. EST.,
for credit card holders only.
To order the publications in this
portfolio in Canada
Make cheques payable to:
Ford Motor Company of Canada,
Ltd.
Service Publications
P.O. Box 1580, Station B
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4Y
4G3
or order toll free:
1-800-387-4966
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00
p.m. EST.,
for credit card holders only. • 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 17.6.99 11:32 Uhr Seite 240

Index
242APage
Accessory position on
the ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Additives, engine oil . . . . . . . . .169
Air bag supplemental
restraint system
and child safety seats . . . . . . . .87
description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
indicator light . . . . . . . . . . .15, 91
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
wearing safety belts . . . . . . . . .87
Air conditioning
(see Climate control system)
Alarm, activating panic . . . . . . . .69
Antenna, radio
(see Audio system) . . . . . . . . . . .53
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .116
Anti-theft system (see Passive
Anti-Theft System)
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Automatic transaxle
driving with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
fluid, adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
fluid, checking . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .224
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .225
B
Backing up . . . . . . . . . . . . .123, 129
Battery
charging system warning light . .9
jumping a disabled battery . . .154
proper disposal, recycling . . . .184
replacement, specifications . .223
servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Brake fluid
checking and adding . . . . . . . .172
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Brake-shift interlock . . . . . . . . .121
Brakelamps
(see Bulb replacement)BPage
Brakes
anti-lock brake system (ABS) 116
brake warning light . . . . . . . . . .14
fluid, checking and adding . . .172
fluid, refill capacities . . . . . . . .224
fluid, specification . . . . . . . . . .225
parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Built-in child seat
folding up the seat . . . . . . . . .102
inspection after a collision . . .102
interlock safety feature . . . . . . .98
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
retractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Break-in period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Bulbs, replacing
foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
high-mounted brake lamp . . . .210
license plate lamp . . . . . . . . . .209
rear lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
C
Cabin air filter . . . . . . . . . . .33, 186
Capacities for refilling fluids . . .224
Carbon monoxyde in exhaust . .110
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . .202
Chains, tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194
Changing a tire . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Charging system warning light . . .9
Child safety restraints
built-in child seat . . . . . . . . . . .97
child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . .103
children and safety belts . . .93, 95
Child safety seats
and air bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
attaching with tether straps . .104
automatic locking mode . . . . . .79
Childproof safety locks . . . . . . . .65
Chimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Circuit breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
4CInden 17.6.99 11:32 Uhr Seite 242

243
Index
CPage
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment . . . . . . . .219
exterior lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .221
plastic exterior parts . . . . . . . .220
safety belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Climate control system
air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
controlling airflow . . . . . . . . . . .26
defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Clutch
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
recommended shift speeds . . .128
Cold engine starting . . . . . . . . .114
Controls
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . .20
power seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Customer assistance . . . . . . . . .229
D
Daytime running lights . . . . . . . .23
Defects, reporting . . . . . . . . . . .241
Defrost
rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Dipstick, engine oil . . . . . . . . . .167
Door mounted controls . . . . . . . .64
Driving under special conditions
heavy load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . .134
E
Electrical system
fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143EPage
Emergencies, roadside
fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .141
jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Emergency brake (see Parking
brake)
Emission control system . . . . . .202
Engine
check engine warning light . . . .12
fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .141
lubricant specifications . . . . . .225
preparing to start . . . . . . . . . .111
refill capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .224
starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Engine block heater . . . . . . . . .115
Engine coolant
checking and adding . . . . . . . .174
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
low coolant warning light . . . . .11
refilll capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .224
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Engine fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Engine oil
changing oil and filter . . . . . . .170
checking and adding . . . . . . . .169
dipstick . . . . . . . . . .167, 168, 169
disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
engine oil pressure
warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
filter specifications . . . . . . . . .223
refill capacities . . . . . . . . . . . .224
specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Exhaust fumes . . . . . . . . . .110, 202
F
Fan (see Engine fan)
Flasher, hazard . . . . . . . . . .56, 141
Flashing the lights . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Fluid refill capacities . . . . . . . . .224
Foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23, 208
4CInden 17.6.99 11:32 Uhr Seite 243

Index
244FPage
Fuel
calculating fuel economy . . . .201
capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
choosing the right fuel . . . . . .198
consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
low fuel warning light . . . . . . . .15
octane rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
running out of fuel . . . . . . . . .202
safety information relating
to automotive fuels . . . . . . . . .196
Fuel pump shut-off switch . . . .141
Fuse panels
engine compartment . . . . . . . .144
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . .146
Fuses
charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145, 148
checking and replacing . . . . . .143
G
Gas mileage (see Fuel)
Gauges
engine coolant temperature . . .20
fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
trip odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) . . .131
Gearshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123, 128
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) .131
H
Hazard flashers . . . . . . . . . .56, 141
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Headlamps
aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
bulb specifications . . . . . . . . .212
daytime running light . . . . . . . .23
flashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57HPage
high beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
replacing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . .206
turning on and off . . . . . . . . . . .22
warning chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
High beams
indicator light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
High-mount brakelamp . . . . . . .210
Hood
latch location . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
I
Identification Number, Vehicle
(VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
Idle, relearning . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Idle, speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Ignition
chime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
positions on the ignition . . . . . .54
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Instrument panel
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221
lighting up the panel . . . . . . . . .25
Integrated child seat (see Built-in
child seat)
Intermittent wipers . . . . . . . . . . .58
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
J
Jack
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Jump starting your vehicle
attaching cables . . . . . . . . . . . .155
disconnecting cables . . . . . . . .158
K
Keys
key in ignition warning chime .19
positions of the ignition . . . . . .54
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