1997 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 136

Driving 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 floor and place the gearshift lever in the Neutral position. Do not release the clutch pedal. NOTE: If the following step is not followed, a grinding noise may occur. 3. Wait a minimum of three seconds before attempting to shift into R (Reverse) gear. 4. Push the gearshift lever completely to the right, pull up the ring on the stalk of the gearshift lever, and then pull rearward on the gearshift lever to engage the R (Reverse) gear. 5. If the R (Reverse) gear is engaged, slowly release the clutch pedal from the floor. 137