1997 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 124

Driving Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on which type of transaxle your vehicle has. You may be familiar with the term "transmission." We use transaxle because it is a more accurate term for vehicles that have front-wheel drive. Your vehicle will have one of the following types of transaxles: s an automatic overdrive transaxle with transaxle control switch, or s a manual transaxle. If you are not sure which transaxle your vehicle has, talk to your dealer. Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to promote durability. Brakes Applying the Brakes Your vehicle may have four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes or power front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes which adjust automatically through everyday use. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, it may have four-wheel power disc brakes or power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, which adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings wear down. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the "squeeze" technique - push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which lets you steer properly. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can make the wheels lock and slide, causing you to lose control of the steering. If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal and repeat the "squeeze" technique. 125