1997 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 197

Disconnecting the Battery Because your vehicle engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery, you must allow the computer to "relearn" its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal operating temperature. Allow the manual transaxle to idle for one minute in Neutral. Allow the automatic transaxle engine to idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in D (Drive). Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning (if equipped) on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle. If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous procedure. 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 filter should be replaced at the intervals in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. To replace the passenger compartment air filter: 1. Remove both windshield wiper arms. With the wiper arm in the horizontal position, lift the arm away from the windshield while pulling the retaining clip at the base toward the windshield. Release the wiper arm, then lift it off the base. 200