1996 Ford Contour Owner's Manual
1996 Ford Contour Manual
1996 Ford Contour manual content summary:
- 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 1
6 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 2
6 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 3
Lights and Gauges ...53 Instrument Panel Controls ...69 Steering Column Controls ...83 Features ...93 Electronic Sound Systems ...115 139 163 179 185 189 195 261 273 292 Driving Your Contour ...Roadside Emergencies ...Customer Assistance ... Reporting Safety Defects Accessories ...Servicing - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 4
6 Introductory Information Ford's Commitment to You At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous the standard by which others are judged. Our Guiding Principles s Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the quality of our products and services must be our number one priority. s You - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 5
not know which information applies to your vehicle, talk to your dealer. This guide describes equipment and gives specifications for equipment that was in effect when this guide was approved for printing. Ford may discontinue models or change specifications or design without any notice and without - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 6
to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3. Your Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists the services that are most important for keeping your vehicle in good condition - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 7
when to stop. - Begin braking well in advance. - Apply the brakes gradually. The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving. s Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends. See Engine oil recommendations - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 8
12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative. Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a mild detergent. DO NOT: s Wash your vehicle - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 9
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents. Cleaning Plastic Parts Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Do - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 10
and Chime in the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter. See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how to properly use these safety belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this chapter for special instructions about using safety belts for children. RWARNING Make sure that - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 11
one seating position. Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision. RWARNING Ford - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 12
movement. However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt locks and helps reduce your forward movement. After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position that suits - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 13
6 Fastening the front seat lap and shoulder belt NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Important Safety Belt Information at the beginning of this chapter. To adjust the lap part of the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt until the lap belt fits snugly and as low as possible around your hips. - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 14
Dual Locking Mode Lap/Shoulder Belt Retractor The front passenger seat and the rear outer seat combination lap and shoulder belts are equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the lap/shoulder belt. This retractor can be switched from vehicle sensitive (emergency - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 15
is unbuckled and allowed to retract completely, the retractor will switch to the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. See the detailed instructions under Safety Seats for Children in this chapter. Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment Driver and right front passenger You can adjust the shoulder - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 16
is properly positioned on your shoulder each time you use the belt. If the shoulder belt is off your shoulder, on your upper arm or neck, there is a greater risk of severe injury in a collision. Lap Belts The lap belt in the center of the rear seat does not adjust automatically. You must adjust - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 17
in center rear seating position Safety Belt Extension Assembly For some people, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. You can add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length with a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are available - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 18
increase the risk of personal injury. Safety Belt Maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped), child - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 19
not bleach or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it. Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) The driver and right front passenger air bags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided at these seating positions in addition to the lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to supplement - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 20
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always wear their safety belts, even when an air bag Supplemental Restraint System is provided. There are four very important reasons to use safety belts even with an air bag system. Use your safety belts to: s help keep you in the proper - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 21
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 22
Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System which can be obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356. Ask for brochure FPS-8602. For additional important safety information on the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and infant seats, please read the other sections of this part of the Owner Guide - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 23
6 How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Operates The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The front passenger seat air bag is located in the center of the instrument panel ledge above the glove compartment. Both air bags are designed to stay out of sight until they are - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 24
mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag. When the sensors activate the system, the air bags inflate rapidly, filling with non-toxic nitrogen gas in a fraction of a second. Immediately after inflation, the air bags deflate by releasing the nitrogen gas through vent holes. The whole process takes - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 25
6 Inflated driver-side air bag 22 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 26
ensure that the air bag system will operate as intended in a crash, the system is equipped with a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the air bag power, and - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 27
lit, s or it will not light immediately after ignition is turned on, s or a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired. If any of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 28
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 ride in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a seat with a fastened seat belt are much more likely to suffer serious injury in a - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 29
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 30
child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt. RWARNING If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 31
6 RWARNING Always keep the buckle release button pointing upward and away from the child seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button as shown in the following illustration. Safety belt buckle placement for child seats 28 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 32
a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the right front seat passenger and rear outer passengers. If you choose to install a child safety seat in the front seating position, move vehicle seat as far back as possible. 1. Position the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 33
6 3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted. 30 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 34
6 Safety Restraints 31 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 35
6 4. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted from the reel and a click is heard. At this time the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint mode). Figure 4. 32 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 36
Restraints 5. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Push down on the child seat while you pull up on the belt to remove any slack in the belt. Figures 5 and - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 37
6 34 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 38
6 Safety Restraints 6. Before placing the child in the child seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and tug it forward to make sure that the seat is securely held in place, Figure 7. 35 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 39
in the automatic locking mode. Try to pull more belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the belt is in the automatic locking mode, Figure 8. 8. Check to make sure that the child seat is properly secured prior to each use. If the belt is not locked, repeat steps 4 through 7. To remove retractor - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 40
the loose end of the lap belt webbing to shorten the belt and tighten the tether strap. To install a tethered child safety seat in the rear seat, you will need tether anchorage hardware. Tether anchorage hardware (Canadian vehicles only) All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a tether anchor - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 41
anchor kit available at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer (Base part number 613D74). Safety Belts for Children Children who are too large for child safety seats should always wear safety belts. (See instructions with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer, to determine maximum - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 42
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 43
6 Starting Your Contour Ignition Understanding the Positions of the Ignition The positions of the key in the ignition LOCK and ACCESSORY lock the gearshift for all vehicles with an automatic transaxle. RWARNING LOCK position does not lock the gearshift on floor-mounted manual transaxle gearshifts - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 44
allows some of your vehicle's electrical accessories to operate while the engine is not running. For example, you can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio without starting the engine. ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights (except the brake system warning light) to make sure they work - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 45
driver's door is open while the key is still in the ignition, a warning chime sounds. RWARNING Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual Fuel-Injected Engines When starting a fuel-injected engine - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 46
in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions. Before you start your vehicle, do the following: 1. Make sure - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 47
sure that they work. Refer to the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter. Starting Your Engine To start your engine: 1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section. 2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key to the ON position. 3. DO NOT - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 48
in five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, then try again. If you have the 4-cylinder 2.0L engine and are not using an engine block heater, warm up the engine for a minute or two before putting the transaxle in gear. Depressing the accelerator slightly will also help with cold starts - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 49
seconds after the starter stops, then try again. Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter or flood the engine. After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 50
away in the normal manner. If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter. A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you start your vehicle, the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 51
up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost system to respond quickly. To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter. RWARNING To prevent electrical shock, do - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 52
is a device intended to stop the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt. Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must reset the switch by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is located on the left hand kick panel in the driver's footwell. The left-hand - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 53
or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions. RWARNING If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 54
is raised for service s the sound of the exhaust system changes s your vehicle has been damaged in a collision Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris. If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 55
your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters: s Standard Cluster s Sport Cluster If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the diagrams on the following pages - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 56
6 The standard cluster 54 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 57
6 Warning Lights and Gauges The sport cluster 55 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 58
each of these indicators means. Indicator Lights and Chimes Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place: s If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when the ignition is turned to the ON position - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 59
level is low, the brake system should be checked by a qualified service technician. This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine starts and you release the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 60
Charging System Light This light indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked. This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off when the engine starts and the alternator - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 61
soon as safely possible. 2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result. 3. Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See Engine oil in the Index - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 62
. 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. RWARNING If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 63
off when the engine starts. If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to the ON position or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with one of the engine's emission control systems. You do not - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 64
begins to crank. It is not necessary to have the engine serviced. Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Check Engine Warning Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the road - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 65
Overdrive Off Indicator (Automatic Transaxle Only) This light tells you that the Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been pushed. When the light is on, the transaxle will not shift into overdrive. Depressing the TCS button located below the gearshift release button on the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 66
the ignition must be in the OFF position before you add fuel to the fuel tank. The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while the vehicle is in motion. This is the result of fuel movement within the tank. An accurate reading may be obtained with the vehicle on smooth, level ground. Engine Coolant - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 67
the engine cool. 4. Check the coolant level following the instructions on checking and adding coolant to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system serviced as - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 68
equipped with the traction control system). The system turns on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light will come on. 66 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 69
the Index. This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned to the START position, but should turn off when the engine starts. If this light stays on, check the level of coolant inside the recovery bottle. The level may be slightly above the MIN line because the light is an "early - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 70
on and off while traction control is operating. If the light stays on for more than three (3) seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position or does not come on when the T/C OFF button is pressed, have the traction control system checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible. 68 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 71
to clean either the lens or the woodtone trim as these may cause scratches. NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss (shine) of the upper part of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection. 69 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 72
6 Instrument panel 70 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 73
Heating and Air Conditioning System If you are not sure which system your vehicle has, see the diagrams on the following pages. Heating Only System The control for your heater system is located at the center of the instrument panel below the radio. The heater will operate only when the ignition key - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 74
6 To turn your heater system on, select any position except OFF. This will turn the fan on and allow air flow into the vehicle. To turn your heater off, select OFF. This will turn the fan off and stop air flow from coming into the vehicle. Your vehicle also has small demister openings on each front - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 75
to the floor and through the instrument panel registers at the same time. This selection can be used to either heat or ventilate your vehicle. FLOOR Air flow will be to the floor when FLOOR is selected. The air cannot be cooled in the FLOOR position but can be heated by rotating the temperature - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 76
/DEF or V DEF. The control for the heating and air conditioning system Air conditioning A/C Select A/C to get refrigerated outside air through the instrument panel registers. The A/C position is used for cooling except when extremely hot or fast cooling of the vehicle is needed. Then, select MAX - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 77
front seats that interfere with the flow of air to the back seat area. s Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area of your heater and air conditioner system which could block the air intake. The intake area is located at the bottom of the windshield. Passenger Compartment Air Filter - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 78
rear window and side view mirrors before using the defroster. With the engine running, push the defroster button. After approximately 10 minutes, the turn off when the ignition key is turned to the OFF or START position. NOTE: Never use sharp instruments or window cleaners with abrasives to clean - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 79
6 Instrument Panel Controls The Interior and Exterior Lights Turning On the Exterior Lights To turn on your headlamps, parking lamps, and tail lamps, use the knob that is on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel. The knob for the exterior lights To turn on the parking lamps and - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 80
(If equipped) The fog lamps act as a supplement to the low beam headlamps under limited visibility conditions such as rain, snow, dust or fog. The fog lamps operate only when the low beam it is recommended that the fog lamp switch be turned off after each use prior to turning off the headlamps. 78 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 81
bulb or fuse. RWARNING The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision. Cleaning the Exterior Lamps Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners to clean - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 82
is turned from the OFF position. To dim the instrument panel lights, use the thumbwheel on the instrument panel to the right of the steering wheel. Dimming the instrument panel lights Dome Lamp Your vehicle has a dome lamp above the front seat. The switch on the dome lamp turns it on and off. The - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 83
will turn off after 12 seconds or when the ignition key is turned to the ON or ACC position. It will not turn off if either front door is open or if you move the dome lamp switch to the ON position. Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and should - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 84
the traction control system Clock The digital clock 1. To set the hour, press and hold the hour button. When the desired hour appears, release the button. 2. To set the minutes, press and hold the minute button. When the desired minute appears, release the button. 3. To switch between a 12-hour - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 85
lamps Turn Signals The turn signal lever Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move it down to signal a left turn. The corresponding indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash. If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move the lever back to the center (off) position. For - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 86
until it latches. When the high beams are on, the high beam indicator light on the instrument cluster comes on. To turn off the high beams, pull position. Windshield Wipers and Washer To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition key must be turned to the ON or ACC position. Using the windshield - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 87
about three cycles after the spray stops. Washing the windshield Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more than 15 seconds continuously. This could damage the washer pump system. RWARNING In freezing weather, the washer - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 88
to other drivers to be careful when approaching or passing your vehicle. Using the hazard flasher switch The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully charged and in good condition without draining the battery excessively - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 89
(CRTC in Canada) approved radio transmitting equipment in your vehicle. NOTE: Do not shift to N (Neutral) when using the speed control. This will cause the engine to overspeed. RWARNING Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved. 87 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 90
to the desired speed above 30 mph (50 km/h) using the accelerator pedal. 3. Press the SET ACC switch and release it immediately to set your speed. If you keep this switch depressed, your speed will continue to increase. 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will maintain - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 91
turn the Overdrive off by pressing the Transaxle Control Switch on the left side of the gearshift lever. This will reduce vehicle speed if it goes above your set speed on a downhill grade. For the best fuel economy during normal driving conditions, leave the vehicle in Overdrive, or resume as soon - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 92
quickly release the COAST switch. Each time you "tap" the switch, the set speed will decrease by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). If vehicle speed is reduced below 30 mph (50 km/h) by any of the above methods, then you must manually accelerate to a speed over 30 mph (50 km/h) and reset the system. To reset the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 93
not press the OFF switch. You must be driving at least 30 mph (50 km/h). Your vehicle will gradually return to the previously set speed and then maintain it. To Turn Off the Speed Control System Press the OFF switch. In addition, the speed control is turned off each time you turn the vehicle - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 94
6 Features Your vehicle has a variety of features designed for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read this chapter to find out about standard and optional features. Doors Childproof Locks for the Rear Doors In addition to standard or power locks, your vehicle has childproof locks for the rear - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 95
If the power mechanism fails, the manual door lock will automatically override the power controls. The power door lock on the driver's door Using the Illuminated Entry System (If equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the illuminated entry system, the interior lights turn on when you lift the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 96
vehicle. The system will work with up to four transmitters. Additional transmitters can be ordered from your dealer. The remote entry features only operate with the ignition in the OFF position. Remote entry transmitter Unlocking the doors and opening the trunk To unlock the driver's door, press - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 97
for 12 seconds. You can turn these lights off by turning the ignition to the ON position. The interior lights will not turn off if you have turned them on manually or if a door is open. NOTE: The illuminated entry system will only work when the dome light switch is in the "12" position. Locking the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 98
the transmitter. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE TRANSMITTER APART. When installing the new batteries, be sure to place the positive system. This is necessary to prevent further unauthorized use of the lost transmitter. Additional transmitters may be purchased from your dealer (remote entry system - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 99
Windows (If equipped) Each door has a power control that opens and closes the window on that door. The driver's door has a master control panel that operates all four windows. In order to use your power window controls, the ignition switch must be in the ON position. The master controls on the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 100
-touch-down window The one-touch-down feature allows you to completely open the driver's window by briefly pressing and releasing the bottom of the window switch. To stop the window before it opens completely, press the switch again. The one-touch feature only opens the window. To close the window - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 101
will move to the closed position and stop. To tilt the moon roof into vent position when the glass panel is closed, press the front portion of the switch. To close from vent position, press and hold the rear portion of the switch. Occasionally wiping the outside guide rail covers of the moon roof - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 102
roof has a sliding shade that you can manually open or close to block the sun when the glass panel is shut. To close the sliding shade, pull the shade toward the front of the vehicle. The shade automatically opens when the moon roof is opened. Seats Head Restraints If you use them properly - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 103
6 The four-way head restraint Manual Seats Manual seat adjustment RWARNING Never adjust the driver's seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving. 102 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 104
, always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. RWARNING Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid injuring people in a collision or sudden stop. Manual lumbar support (If equipped) The handwheel on the side of the seatback inflates - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 105
or backward and tilt the front or back of the seat up or down. The seat base controls on the driver's seat To move the seat forward or back, slide the seat base control button forward or back. To raise or lower the height of the seat base, slide the button up or down. To raise or - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 106
if equipped) The seatback controls on the driver's seat To tilt the seatback forward or back, slide the top part of the top button forward or back. To inflate or deflate the lumbar support pads, slide the bottom of the button forward or back. Folding Rear Seats (If equipped) The release knobs for - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 107
release knob Cleaning the Seats Leather 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. Fabric Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 108
Side View Mirrors The standard side view mirrors are manually adjusted by using the remote knobs. The knob The left side mirror control (right side similar) Dual electric remote control mirrors (if equipped) The control for adjusting the electric side view mirrors is on the instrument panel, to the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 109
are. Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products. Heated mirror feature (If equipped) Both mirrors are heated whenever the Electric Rear Window Defroster is turned on. Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 110
6 Features Sun Visors Illuminated Visor Mirror (If equipped) Your vehicle may have lighted mirrors on the sun visors. The mirror is lit by sliding open the mirror cover. The visor mirror 109 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 111
6 Console Your vehicle may have a full console. The full console has the following features: The features on the full console Cupholder with Full Console To raise the pop-up cup holder, push and release the cupholder door, then unfold the holder. 110 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 112
map pockets. s a coin holder on the instrument panel s a small storage pocket on the outside of the front seat base Trunk To open the trunk manually, use the oval key. Remote Trunk Release (If equipped) The remote trunk release is on the floor to the left of the driver's seat. The remote trunk - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 113
If equipped) Your vehicle has a remote control fuel filler door which cannot be opened from the outside. To unlatch the fuel filler door, firmly push down the front of the release handle, which is on the floor to the left of the driver's seat. Refer to Servicing Your Vehicle in the Index for further - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 114
end of the retention post from the rear and rotate forward to install. Adjust the floor mat position to allow proper operation of accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal. The positive retention floor mat To remove, lift the floor mat just forward of the retention post and rotate it - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 115
Electronic Sound Systems Compact Disc Radio 115 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 116
in the display to show the relative volume level. NOTE: If the volume level is set above a certain listening level when the ignition switch is turned off, when the ignition switch is turned back on, the volume will come back to a "nominal" listening level. However, if the radio power is turned off - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 117
Electronic Sound Systems How to tune radio stations There are four ways for you to tune in a particular station. You can manually locate the station Using the "SCAN/TUNE" button to manually tune You can change the frequency up or down one increment at a time (FM changes in increments of 200kHz; - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 118
button will begin the scan mode up the frequency band, stopping on each listenable station for approximately five seconds. Pushing the button you want to set. NOTE: If the vehicle's battery is disconnected, the clock and station memory preset buttons (if manually tune to existing stations. 118 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 119
stopping momentarily on the stations being set into the memory buttons. The radio is now in the "AUTO" mode and this display will show "AUTO" each time 1. To deactivate the Auto Memory Store mode and return to the manually-set memory button stations (or those stations set using Auto Memory Load - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 120
6 s Adjusting speaker balance Balance control allows you to adjust the sound distribution between the right and left speakers. Push the "AUDIO" button repeatedly until the display button reads "BAL". Push the top (+) of the "VOLUME" button to shift the sound to the right speakers, and push the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 121
6 Electronic Sound Systems Ford Compact Disc Player 121 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 122
Player The Ford Compact Disc Player operates when the Audio System is on and a disc is inserted (label side up). Handle the disc by its edge only. (Be sure to read and follow all of the care and cleaning instructions under How To Take Care of and Clean Your CD Player and Discs - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 123
Systems How to stop and restart the CD player When a disc is loaded, the unit automatically enters the play mode and the play indicator a illuminates. To stop temporarily, press the "PLAY/STOP" button or the "AM/FM" button. The stop when ignition was turned off. How to locate a playing time in the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 124
player will begin scanning the disc, stopping on each listenable track for approximately eight seconds. This continues until you press the "SCAN" button a second time or eject the disc. While in between selections, the display will show a moving dash ("-") around the perimeter of the display. 124 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 125
to eject the disc Push the "EJECT" button in the upper left corner of your CD player to stop play, eject the disc and resume radio or tape operation of your audio system. How To Take Care of and Clean Your CD Player and Discs To ensure the continued performance of your - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 126
heating ducts. Do not leave any discs in a parked car in direct sunlight where there may be a considerable rise Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. Common Operating Conditions cool off before operating. s Different manufacturers of compact discs may produce discs with different dimensions - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 127
6 Electronic Sound Systems If play does not begin after the CD button is pushed: s The radio is not on. s The unit is in the stop mode. s Moisture may have condensed on the lenses within the unit. If this occurs, remove the disc and wait approximately an hour until the moisture - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 128
6 Electronic Stereo Radio 128 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 129
6 Electronic Sound Systems Electronic Stereo Radio with Cassette 129 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 130
above a certain listening level when the ignition switch is turned off, when the ignition switch is turned back on, the volume will switched back on. Selecting the AM or FM frequency band Push the "AM/FM" button to select the desired frequency band. Pushing the button more than once will alternate - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 131
Sound Systems How to tune radio stations (Stereo Radio) s Using the "TUNE" function You can change the frequency up or down one increment at a time by AMS" function to manually tune your radio (Stereo Cassette Radio) You can change the frequency up or down one increment at a time by first pressing - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 132
frequency band, stopping on each listenable station for approximately a five-second sampling. This continues until you press the "SCAN" button a second time. The display you want to set. NOTE: If the vehicle's battery is disconnected, the clock and station memory preset buttons (if programmed in auto mode - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 133
6 Electronic Sound Systems Adjusting the tone balance and speaker output of your radio s Increasing or decreasing bass response Push the "AUDIO" button repeatedly until the display reads "BASS." - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 134
door opening, making sure the cassette is completely in and "seated." How to locate a desired track on the tape NOTE: The tape track number alternate track (other side) of the tape can be selected at any time by pushing both fast-wind buttons h and g at the same time. How to eject the tape To stop - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 135
it was meant to, read and follow these simple precautions: s Using a Ford Cassette Cleaning Cartridge to clean the tape player head after 10-12 hours of humidity and extreme heat or cold. If they are exposed to extreme conditions, allow them to reach a moderate temperature before playing. s If a - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 136
6 Common Radio Reception Conditions Several conditions prevent FM reception from being completely clear and noise-free, such as the following: 1. Distance/Strength The strength of the FM signal is directly related - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 137
your dealer for a copy of this limited warranty. s Service At Ford Electronics, we stand behind our audio systems with a comprehensive service and repair program. If anything should go wrong with your Ford audio system, return to your dealer for service. There is a nationwide network of qualified - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 138
automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the transaxle control switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D (Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 139
in the ON position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed: 1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition key. 2. With the parking brake applied and the brake pedal depressed, insert a screwdriver about 2" (5 cm) into the square opening to the right of - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 140
6 Driving Your Contour Overriding the brake shift interlock The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to LOCK or removed from the steering column. TO REMOVE THE KEY, - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 141
on the slightest incline, unless the parking brake or brakes are on. Driving Your vehicle's gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The Transaxle Control Switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift handle. The transaxle control indicator light (OD OFF) is located on the instrument panel. You can - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 142
overdrive gear - when your vehicle cruises at a consistent speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds. When to use D (Drive - with Transaxle Control Switch activated) D (Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain terrain. If - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 143
also gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle Control Switch activated) when stop before you shift into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. RWARNING Always set the parking brake - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 144
6 Driving Your Contour Driving with a Manual Transaxle Using the Clutch In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor. Before starting the engine, make sure the vehicle is in Neutral and the parking brake is set. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 145
6 The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you shift. You should upshift according to the speeds given in the shift speed chart. Backing up To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Completely stop your vehicle. 2. Depress the clutch pedal to the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 146
6 Driving Your Contour Upshifting Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds: 147 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 147
spin because of slippery conditions, the traction control system slows the engine by closing the throttle. At speeds below 35 mph (55 km/h) the traction control system also applies the brake to the spinning wheel. When the traction control system becomes active, the driver may notice a very slight - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 148
6 Driving Your Contour The traction control system can be turned off manually by pushing the T/C OFF button on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. The traction control system light will remain on as a reminder that the system is turned off. Each time the vehicle is started, the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 149
effective. Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However, if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician. Anti-lock Brake System (If equipped - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 150
traction control system). The system turns on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2 second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be heard and felt. This is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a malfunction is found during this check the anti-lock light will come on. Ford Motor Company has - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 151
manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 152
of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy. Driving Under Special Conditions Tips for Safe Driving As with any new - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 153
Pump the brake Do not downshift into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle when moving faster than 10 mph (16 km and reverse gears. While in each gear, press lightly on the accelerator and release. RWARNING Do not few minutes. This may overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires. - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 154
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual. After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes gently several times does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations. RWARNING - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 155
figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the weights of: s the driver and passengers s luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle to figure the weight of a load: 1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers and luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 156
Contour to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Because towing a trailer certain precautions for your safety and the good of your vehicle: s Stay within the Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. (See Servicing your vehicle if you tow - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 157
of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage, structural Preparing to Tow For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for the Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 158
6 Driving Your Contour Using the hitch Your vehicle uses a load carrying hitch. attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the weight of a trailer. 2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 159
the trailer's lights Do not connect a trailer's lighting system wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system wiring. To get the proper equipment for hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully. If - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 160
Contour When you tow up or down steep hills, move the manual transaxle gearshift to a lower gear. This will increase engine power on upgrades and engine braking on downgrades. When you tow in steep hills, move the automatic transaxle to 1 (First) when descending. This will give more engine braking - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 161
-Starting Your Vehicle Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster battery to start your vehicle. RWARNING The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 162
the vehicle's electrical system. 3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle. Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other. Set the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts. 4. Check all battery terminals and remove - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 163
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the negative (-) terminal of the booster battery - NOT to the discharged battery. 4. Connect the other end of the second cable to a good metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle. RWARNING Do not connect the end of the second cable - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 164
Sequence for connecting jumper cables 166 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 165
to let the engine "relearn" its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery recharge. You may need to use a battery charger to fully recharge the battery. If you need to replace your battery, see Battery in the Servicing Your Vehicle - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 166
the steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers. The Temporary Spare Tire You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare tire is smaller than - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 167
vehicle may get caught in the rails and it could be damaged. Spare Tire Location The spare tire is stored under the carpet on the floor of the trunk. You will find additional instructions for the spare tire on the wheel decal (located on the temporary spare wheel). The temporary spare tire 169 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 168
gearshift in P (Park). If you have a manual transaxle, put the gearshift in 1 (First). Set the parking brake and block the wheel that is diagonally opposite the out the spare tire and jack. RWARNING To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, such as when changing a tire. 3. - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 169
to the rocker panel. Sports models with skirts RWARNING To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do not start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack. The jack is only meant for changing the tire. 171 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 170
handle clockwise until the wheel clears the ground. Remove the wheel lug nuts. 3. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure that the air valve stem is facing outward. 4. Reinstall the lug nuts, tightening until the wheel is snug against the hub. The beveled edges on the lug nuts - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 171
the order shown in the following illustration. As soon as possible, have your dealer or a qualified service technician check the lug nuts for proper torque specifications. The lug nuts on the wheel 7. Place any wheel covers the palm of your hand until the ornament is seated in the opening. 173 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 172
to the manufacturer (not to the dealer) to get a replacement key. NOTE: If you lose your lug wrench/lug nut key assembly, see your nearest Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer who has access to a master set of keys. DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY. The anti - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 173
Pump Shut-off Switch If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt. For information on how to check and - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 174
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle. 176 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 175
Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck. Before you have your vehicle towed: s Release the parking brake. s Move the gearshift to N (Neutral). s Turn the ignition to the OFF position - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 176
Customer Assistance Roadside Assistance Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators that put you in touch with the help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle. This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your warranty period - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 177
If You Have a Service Problem Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how to get service or maintenance for your vehicle. Service/Maintenance Concerns (U.S. or Canada) Ford recommends taking your vehicle to - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 178
the following information available when contacting Ford Customer Assistance: s your telephone number (both business and home) s the name of the dealer and the city where the dealership is located s the year and make of your vehicle s the date purchased s the current mileage on your vehicle s your - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 179
performance and service complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln Cars and Ford and Mercury Light Trucks under warranty that have not been resolved by a dealer or Ford Motor Company. The Board does not review issues involving: s A non-Ford product s A non-Ford dealership s A vehicle sales transaction - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 180
the unique brochure for California purchasers/lessees. How Does the Board Work? The Board has four members: s three consumer representatives s a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by an independent consulting firm. Dealers are chosen - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 181
will receive an acknowledgment indicating the file number assigned to your application and the local Board address. At the same time, your dealer and Ford Motor Company representative are asked to submit statements. To review your case properly, the Board needs the following information: s legible - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 182
of repair and the mileage at the time of repair s the current mileage s the name of the dealer who sold you the vehicle or who serviced your vehicle s a brief description of your unresolved complaint s a brief summary of actions that were taken with the dealer and Ford Motor Company s the names - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 183
20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. Ford of Canada Customer Assistance If you live in and the city where the dealership is located s the year and make of your vehicle s the date purchased s the current mileage on your vehicle s your Vehicle - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 184
cannot be reached between a vehicle owner, Ford of Canada, and/or one of its dealers (that all parties can agree upon), the owner may wish to use the services offered by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). CAMVAP uses the services of Provincial Administrators to assist consumers in - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 185
office before you leave the U.S. or Canada. Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper conversion may damage the effectiveness of your emissions control system and may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is caused by use - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 186
-built vehicle. In addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford's rigid engineering and safety specifications. That is why Ford brand accessories are warranted for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first. See your dealer for complete - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 187
Safety, Comfort, and Convenience 190 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 188
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front operated, such systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may themselves , design, or manufacture of such systems, Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 189
192 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 190
Accessories 193 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 191
194 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 192
parts and services are covered. Also see the Customer Assistance chapter of this Owner Guide. Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet be performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the conditions - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 193
off and let it cool. RWARNING The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working near the fan. s If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Take - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 194
materials away from the battery and all fuel-related parts. Working with the engine off: 1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) gear (manual transaxle). 2. Remove the key from the ignition after you turn - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 195
Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel. The hood release under the instrument panel 2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is located under the hood at the center of the vehicle. The auxiliary - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 196
securely. NOTE: Apply lubricant to the hood latch at six-month intervals to maintain smooth and trouble-free operation. NOTE: Read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter before opening the hood. Engine Compartment Your vehicle has a 4-cylinder 2.0L - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 197
The 2.0L EFI engine 200 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 198
Servicing Your Contour The 2.5L EFI engine 201 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 199
pressure fluid could penetrate sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions. s In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection pump with cold water. s The alternator, distributor and air intake must be covered - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 200
Servicing Your Contour right side. The override release is a handle which is marked with a fuel pump symbol. Open the fuel filler door by pulling on the handle. Fuel filler door release - manual override Filling the fuel tank The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger side near the back. To - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 201
your vehicle more responsive and maintain its good fuel economy and emissions. It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel. Octane recommendations Your engine is designed to use regular fuel with an octane rating of 87. In - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 202
vehicle has problems with starting, rough idle or hesitation problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused by fuel with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service technician. Gasolines for clean air Fuels in certain areas - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 203
serious injury or death if misused or mishandled. s Turn vehicle off when refueling s Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are extremely flammable. s Do not siphon any fuel by mouth. RWARNING Gasoline or gasoline blended with methanol can cause blindness and possible death when swallowed. If any - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 204
to crank the engine several times before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine. RWARNING Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could result in fire and personal injury. Fuel Economy Fuel economy is an - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 205
not a guarantee that you will achieve the fuel economy shown. The following decrease fuel economy: s Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance s Rapid acceleration and excessive speed s Driving with your foot on the brake s Sudden stops s Extended engine idling s Using speed control in hilly terrain - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 206
stop s Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights s Check windshield washer fluid s Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges s Check the tire pressure at least monthly Engine Oil Recommendations We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 207
may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be changed according to the maintenance schedule. Checking and Adding Engine Oil Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 208
Servicing Your Contour 5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making sure it is fully seated. Engine oil dipstick (2.0L engine) Engine oil dipstick (2.5L engine) 6. 2.0L engine: Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below the lower notch, add engine oil - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 209
. As a result, it may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever occurs first. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for additional information. NOTE: Always dispose - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 210
water. Engine Coolant Checking the Engine Coolant NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter. RWARNING The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 211
additives also protect the entire cooling system from internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. Adding engine coolant RWARNING Do not put engine coolant in the container for - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 212
add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again the next few times you drive your vehicle. Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 213
engine cooling system. Use only a premium, nationally recognized brand name engine coolant. Do not use alcohol, methanol antifreeze or engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the aluminum engine on your vehicle will corrode. Ford Motor Company - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 214
Servicing Your Contour Battery Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery. The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 215
pressure on the ends when lifting a battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners. Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 216
its idle while you drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous procedure. Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers Washer Fluid Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the passenger's side of the engine - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 217
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for the engine coolant. If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could make it difficult to see through the windshield protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades, and windshield washer system. 220 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 218
, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the instructions that come with them. Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 219
screws. 3. Open the hood. Pull off the rubber weatherstrip at the back of the engine compartment. Remove the screws that hold the grille, separate the two halves and remove the grille. Removing the grille 4. The filter is in a housing at the back of the engine - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 220
, and slide the housing and passenger compartment air filter back into place. Reinstall the clips on the housing. 6. Replace the grille and wiper arms. Tires Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them. Always - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 221
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits. RWARNING Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time the following diagram. Do not include the spare tire as part of your rotation. If you notice - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 222
Servicing Your Contour Rotating the tires Replacing the Tires Replace any tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16 inch (2 mm) - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 223
Part 575.104(c)(2). U.S. Department of Transportation - Tire quality grades: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 224
Servicing Your Contour performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 225
. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions. s Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain vehicle handling. Drive carefully and avoid hard braking. s Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may damage the vehicle and the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 226
fluid leakage - the fluid level should be checked. Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake fully applied, start the engine and move the gear shift selector through all of the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 227
city traffic during hot weather, or has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick 230 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 228
Servicing Your Contour Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid Before adding any fluid, be sure that the automotive fluids. Manual Transaxle Fluid The lubricant level and quality should not deteriorate under normal driving conditions. However, you should have the fluid level checked occasionally. If - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 229
your vehicle should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the brake lining wears. You should check the brake fluid at every scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to check it at least once a year. You - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 230
Servicing Your Contour If you find that the fluid level is excessively low - below the seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir - have the brake system inspected. RWARNING Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes to fail. The brake fluid - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 231
Steering Fluid Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid With the power steering system at operating temperature, switch off the engine. The fluid steering fluid that meets Ford's Specification ESW-M2C33-F or is an equivalent Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid with a Ford registration number (an - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 232
Servicing Your Contour Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays Fuses, circuit breakers, and relays protect your vehicle's electrical system from overloading. If electrical parts in your vehicle are not working, the system may have been overloaded and blown a fuse or relay, or tripped a circuit breaker. - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 233
The power distribution box fuses and relays Spare fuses are located in the power distribution box under the hood. 236 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 234
Servicing Your Contour 237 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 235
238 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 236
Servicing Your Contour The Instrument Panel Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays The instrument panel fuse panel is underneath the instrument panel on the left side. To open it, reach under the instrument panel and push the release button to the right of the fuse panel. The instrument panel fuse - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 237
The instrument panel fuses 240 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 238
Servicing Your Contour 241 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 239
Outside the Fuse Boxes Checking and Replacing Fuses 1. Use the charts to decide which fuse you should check. 2. On the fuse panel decal located on the cover of the power distribution box or on the end of the instrument panel fuse panel, find the number of the fuse you want to check. 3. Find the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 240
instrument panel fuse panel, see Checking and replacing fuses to find out how to locate the fuse panel and pull it down. Diagnostic equipment is needed to check circuit breakers. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical parts to work - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 241
vehicle's electrical system checked. If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it straight out of its socket. Lights and Bulb Replacement It is a good idea to check the - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 242
Servicing Your Contour bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter the headlamp housing and affect in the OFF position. 2. Lift the hood and find the bulb in the headlamp socket the retaining clip at the base of the electrical connector and sliding the bulb out. Installing - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 243
work properly. If the headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should not need to align it again. High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs From the back seat, remove the back of the brakelamp assembly. Depress the two retaining tabs on the ends of the assembly and pull off the back - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 244
Servicing Your Contour Using the Right Bulbs 247 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 245
the passenger compartment. Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering, or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire. To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission control parts continue to work properly - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 246
Servicing Your Contour RWARNING 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. Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the charge warning light - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 247
the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies a "need for additional mixed city and highway driving to complete the check" of the OBD II system. As soon as all - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 248
Servicing Your Contour 4. Drive the vehicle with a steady throttle at 45 mph (70 km/h) for 30 seconds. 5. Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual must be achieved: a. at least 5 stop and idle modes at 10 seconds each b. acceleration from idles at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle position, and - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 249
Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant Specifications Refill Capacities 252 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 250
Servicing Your Contour Motorcraft Parts 253 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 251
Lubricant Specifications 254 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 252
Servicing Your Contour Vehicle Storage Maintenance Tips If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition. General s Store all vehicles in a dry, - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 253
15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. s With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running. Fuel system s Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle. NOTE: During - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 254
Servicing Your Contour Brakes s Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released. Tires s Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous s Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust. s Move vehicles at least 25 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 255
258 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 256
Warning label locations 261 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 257
Front Exterior View 262 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 258
Rear Exterior View 263 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 259
E Entrance View 264 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 260
Driver's Door 265 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 261
Instrument Panel 266 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 262
Standard Instrument Cluster 267 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 263
Sport Instrument Cluster 268 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 264
Trunk 269 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 265
E The 2.0L Engine Compartment 270 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 266
The 2.5L Engine Compartment 271 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 267
Anti-lock brake system) Additives, engine oil ...Air bag supplemental restraint system and child safety seats ...description ...disposal ...driver air bag ...indicator light...operation ...passenger air bag ...proper seating ...tone generator ...wearing safety belts ...Air cleaner filter location - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 268
...specifications ...Brakelamp, high-mount brakelamp ...Brakes anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light applying the brakes ...brake warning light ...fluid, checking and adding...fluid, refill capacities ...fluid, specifications ...master cylinder ...new brake linings ...noise...parking ...trailer - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 269
Plan (CAMVAP) . Capacities for refilling fluids ...Carbon monoxide in exhaust ...Car seats for children (see Child safety seats) ...Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system) . . Catalytic converter ...Chains, tires...Changing a tire ...Charging system warning light ...Childproof locks - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 270
lap and shoulder belts ...Compact disc player (see Electronic sound system) Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound system) Console, description ...Controls instrument panel ...mirrors...steering column...Coolant (see Engine coolant) checking and adding ...preparing for storage ...refill capacities - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 271
Coolant (see Engine coolant) (continued) specifications ...temperature gauge ...Cooling fan ...Crankcase emission filter ...Cruise control (see Speed control) ...Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada . ... ... ... ... ... . 254 . . 64 . 196 . 253 . . 88 . 186 . . 69 . . 79 . 185 . . 76 . 229 . - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 272
towing ...Emergency brake (parking brake) . . Emission control system catalytic converter...emissions warranty ...Engine check engine warning light ...does not start...fuel injected engine, starting ...fuel pump shut-off switch ...preparing to start ...refill capacities ...service points ...starting - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 273
oil and oil filter ...checking and adding ...dipstick ...disposal ...engine oil pressure warning light . filter, specifications ...refill capacities ...specifications ...synthetic oil ...viscosity ...Entry system, illuminated ...Exhaust fumes...Extended Service Plan, Ford ... ...64 ...196 ...4 212 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 274
...Fuel cap removing...replacing ...Fuel filler door, remote release ...Fuel filter, specifications ...Fuel gauge ...Fuel pump shut-off switch engine does not start ...starting after a collision ...Fuse panels, instrument panel ...Fuses charts ...checking and replacing ...circuit breakers ... fuels - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 275
aiming ...checking alignment ...cleaning ...daytime running lights. . flashing ...high beam ...replacing bulbs ...turning on and off ...warning chime ...Head restraints ...High beams indicator light...operation ...High-mount brakelamp description ...replacing the bulb ...Hitch ...Hood latch location - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 276
I Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) Idle relearning ...speed ...Ignition chime ...positions of the ignition ...removing the key ...Infant seats (see Safety seats) ...Instrument cluster ...Instrument panel lighting up panel and interior . . location of components ...181, 186 ...167 ...48 ...43 41 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 277
high-mount brakelamp...illuminated entry system ...instrument panel, dimming...interior lamps...replacing bulbs ...trailer ...Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) Lap belts ...Lights, warning and indicator air bag ...anti-lock brakes (ABS) ...brake ...charging system...check engine ...engine oil - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 278
trip odometer...Oil filter ...Oil (see Engine oil) ...Oil viscosity ...On-board diagnostic (OBD Overseas offices ...II) system ...65 . 253 . 209 . 209 . 250 . 187 96 P Panic alarm feature, remote entry system Parking brake operation...warning light ...Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)...PCV valve - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 279
) moon roof ...seats ...windows ...Power steering dipstick ...driving with power steering fluid, checking and adding . fluid, refill capacity ...fluid, specifications ...servicing ...Prop rod, hood ... ...99 ...104 ...98 ...234 149 234 252 254 149 198 R Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . Rear - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 280
in rear outboard ...in rear seat ...tether anchorage hardware...Seat belts (see Safety restraints) ...Seats adjusting the seat, manual ...adjusting the seats, power ...child safety seats ...head restraints ...Serial number (VIN) ...Service concerns...286 ...fuels ...153 . . 7 . 159 . 155 . 185 . 206 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 281
vehicle precautions when servicing...servicing when you tow ...Shift-lock system ...Shift positions (see Gearshift) ...Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety starting a cold engine ...starting after a collision ...starting a warm engine ...starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled Steering - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 282
map pockets ...Storing your vehicle ...Sunroof (moon roof) ...Sun visor ...Supplemental air bag readiness light Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 110 . (see Child restraints). Tires changing ...checking the pressure ...cleaning ...replacing ...rotating - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 283
weight ...safety chains ...tips ...trailer brakes ...trailer lamps ...Transaxle automatic operation ...fluid, checking and adding (automatic) . . fluid, refill capacities ...lubricant specifications ...Transaxle control switch ...Trip odometer ...Trunk, using the remote entry system to open Tune-up - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 284
. 156 . 156 . 255 . . 71 . 209 . 109 47 60 43 56 53 W Warm engine, starting ...Warning chimes headlamps on ...key in ignition ...safety belt ...Warning lights (see Lights) . . Warranties basic ...Canada ...radio...Warranty Information Booklet Washer fluid reservoir ...windshield ...Weight limits - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 285
and maintenance ...lug nuts ...Windows ...power windows, operating ...Windshield washer fluid and wipers checking and adding fluid ...checking and replacing wiper blades operation ...reservoir ...specifications ...variable interval wipers ...Wrecker towing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 174 - 1996 Ford Contour | Owner's Manual - Page 286
Service Station Information 292
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