1996 Ford Contour Owners Manual

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automatic transaxles. calculating the load . manual transaxles . Vehicle storage . Ventilating your vehicle (see Climate control) Viscosity (see Engine oil). Visor (see Sun visor). 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 (GAWR, GVWR) . Wheel dollies (see Towing) . 212 84 249 181, 186 156 156 156 255 71 209 109 47 60 43 56 53 137 219 219 155 175 290 File:cdixo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996 Wheels anti-theft lugnuts . cleaning . covers . inspection and maintenance . lug nuts . Windshield washer fluid and wipers power windows, operating . Windows . checking and adding fluid . checking and replacing wiper blades . operation . reservoir . specifications . variable interval wipers . Wrecker towing . 174 229 171 223 170 . 98 . 98 219 221 . 84 219 220 . 84 175 291 Service Station Information File:cdgso.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:29:10 1996 [GS00200(ALL)05/95] thirty pica chart:0001251-G 292 File:cdpio.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:09 1996 [PI00060(O )03/95] thirty-two pica chart:0001461-B File:cdpio.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:09 1996 *[PI00100(ALL)05/95] thirty-six pica chart:0040299-A File:cdpio.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:09 1996 *[PI00560(ALL)05/95] Table of Contents Introductory Information Safety Restraints Starting Your Contour . Warning Lights and Gauges . Instrument Panel Controls . Steering Column Controls . Features Electronic Sound Systems Driving Your Contour . Roadside Emergencies . Customer Assistance Reporting Safety Defects Accessories . Servicing Your Contour Quick Index Index . Service Station Information . 41 . 53 . 69 . 83 . 93 115 139 163 179 185 189 195 261 273 292 File:cdino.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996 *[IN00300(ALL)04/95] *[IN00400(ALL)04/95] *[IN00500(ALL)04/95] *[IN00600(ALL)04/95] *[IN00700(ALL)04/95] *[IN00750(ALL)04/95] *[IN00800(ALL)04/95] *[IN00900(ALL)04/95] *[IN01000(ALL)04/95] Introductory Information Ford’s Commitment to You At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to learning what you want, determination to develop the right concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and attention to detail. In short, excellence means being the standard by which others are judged. Our Guiding Principles n Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the quality of our products and services must be our number one priority. n You are the focus of everything we do. Our work must be done with you in mind, providing better products and services than our competition. n Continuous improvement is essential to our success. We must strive for excellence in everything we do: in our products — in their safety and value — and in our services, our human relations, our competitiveness, and our profitability. n Employee involvement is our way of life. We are a team. We must treat one another with trust and respect. n Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We must maintain mutually beneficial relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our other business associates. n Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct worldwide must be pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contributions to society. File:cdino.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996 *[IN01100(ALL)05/95] *[IN01200(ALL)05/95] *[IN01300(ALL)05/95] [IN01350(ALL)05/95] *[IN01400(ALL)05/95] *[IN01420(ALL)05/95] *[IN01440(ALL)05/95] *[IN01460(ALL)05/95] *[IN01500(ALL)05/95] *[IN01600(ALL)04/95] Things to Know About Using This Guide Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide has information about the equipment and the options for your new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available to you. If you do 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 incurring obligation. As you read through your owner guide, carefully read all Warnings because they tell you how toavoid endangering yourself, your passengers, and other people. NOTES and WARNINGS NOTES give you additional information about the subject matter you are referencing. WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful in those areas where carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or personal injury to yourself, your passengers or other people. Please read all WARNINGS carefully. RWARNING Finding Information in This Guide After you have read this guide once, you will probably return to it when you have a specific question or need additional information. To help you find specific information quickly, you can use the Quick Index or the Index. File:cdino.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996 *[IN01700(ALL)05/95] *[IN01900(ALL)04/95] %*[IN02000(ALL)05/95] *[IN02100(ALL)05/95] *[IN02400(ALL)04/95] *[IN02500(ALL)03/95] *[IN02600(ALL)01/95] *[IN02700(ALL)04/95] %*[IN03100(ALL)03/95] *[IN03300(ALL)03/95] Introductory Information The Quick Index at the end of the book provides a page number following each item which indicates where detailed information can be found. To use the Index, turn to the back of the book and search in the alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think of other related words and look them up. We have designed the Index so that you can find information under a technical term. Canadian Owners — French Version French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing 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. A record log is also provided to help you keep track of all services performed. About the Warranties Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions Warranties. Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and your basic rights and responsibilities. If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this owner guide. File:cdino.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996 %*[IN04000(ALL)01/95] *[IN04100(ALL)01/94] *[IN04200(ALL)01/95] *[IN04250(ALL)01/95] *[IN06000(ALL)01/95] *[IN06100(ALL)03/95] %*[IN06300(ALL)01/95] *[IN06400(ALL)01/95] *[IN06500(ALL)01/95] *[IN06600(ALL)01/95] *[IN06700(ALL)01/95] %*[IN06800(ALL)01/95] Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract provides service protection for a longer period of time than the basic warranty that comes with your vehicle. You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle. However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan. If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the details. Breaking Your Vehicle In Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how you drive your vehicle. n Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle has new brake linings, you should take these steps: — Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate 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. n Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends. See Engine oil recommendations in the Index. Do not use special “break-in” oils. File:cdino.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996 %*[IN06900(ALL)04/95] *[IN06920(ALL)05/95] *[IN06940(ALL)05/95] *[IN06960(ALL)06/95] %*[IN07001(ALL)04/95] *[IN07101(ALL)04/95] *[IN07201(ALL)04/95] *[IN07301(ALL)04/95] *[IN07401(ALL)04/95] *[IN07501(ALL)04/95] *[IN07901(ALL)04/95] Introductory Information Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean. Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout. Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout within 12 months or 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: n Wash your vehicle with hot water n Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight n Wash your vehicle while the body is hot Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the finish. File:cdino.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:11:14 1996 *[IN08101(ALL)04/95] *[IN08201(ALL)04/95] %*[IN08301(ALL)04/95] *[IN08401(ALL)04/95] *[IN08501(ALL)04/95] %*[IN08701(ALL)04/95] Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts 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 not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or petroleum-based cleaners. If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause deterioration. File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR00500(ALL)04/95] *[SR00600(ALL)03/95] *[SR00700(ALL)01/95] *[SR00800(ALL)01/95] *[SR00900(ALL)01/95] *[SR01000(ALL)01/95] *[SR01100(ALL)01/95] *[SR01200(ALL)01/95] *[SR02250(ALL)05/95] *[SR02300(ALL)01/95] %*[SR02400(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints Important Safety Belt Information The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada the law requires their use. Safety belts provide best restraint when: n the seatback is upright n the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched) n the lap belt is snug and low on the hips n the shoulder belt is snug against the chest n the knees are straight forward To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning light may come on and a chime may sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light 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 you and your passengers wear safety belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR02700(ALL)05/95] *[SR02850(ALL)05/95] *[SR02900(ALL)05/95] RWARNING Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person or across more than 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 recommends that all safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified technician after any collision. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. RWARNING To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright. File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR03000(ALL)05/95] *[SR03200(ALL)05/95] *[SR03600(ALL)05/95] *[SR03900(ALL)05/95] *[SR04000(ALL)05/95] *[SR04100(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints RWARNING Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision. Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen the risk of the door coming open in a collision. Combination Lap and Shoulder Belts While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your 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 you best. Pull the combination lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue. File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 [SR04300(ALL)02/94] 10-1/2 pica art:0001196-A *[SR04450(ALL)05/95] %*[SR04700(ALL)05/95] [SR05100(ALL)01/95] 10-1/2 pica art:0000684-E 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. *[SR05400(ALL)05/95] Unfastening the combination lap and shoulder belts While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its original position to prevent it from striking you or the vehicle. 10 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 % [SR05625(ALL)03/95] [SR05650(ALL)12/94] *[SR05675(ALL)02/95] [SR05700(ALL)05/94] *[SR05725(ALL)01/95] *[SR05800(ALL)03/95] *[SR05850(ALL)03/95] *[SR05900(ALL)03/95] *[SR05950(ALL)01/95] [SR06000(ALL)03/95] Safety Restraints 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) locking mode to automatic locking mode by pulling the belt webbing all of the way out of the retractor. The retractor modes function as follows. Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode In this operating mode, the lap/shoulder belt retractor will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering or impacts of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more. Automatic locking mode This mode must be used when installing a child seat on the front passenger seat and rear seats where dual locking retractors are provided. To switch the retractor from the emergency locking mode to the automatic locking mode, perform the following steps: RWARNING Rear facing infant seats should never be placed in the front seat. 1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt. 2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this time, the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint mode). 3. Allow the belt to retract. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates that the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. 11 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 [SR06025(ALL)03/95] *[SR06050(ALL)05/95] *[SR06051(ALL)05/95] *[SR06052(ALL)05/95] [SR06053(ALL)03/95] *[SR06054(ALL)03/95] [SR06056(ALL)05/95] 17-1/2 pica 4. Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove slack in the lap belt. NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder belt 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 belt height to one of four (4) positions. To adjust the belt down, push the release button (see figures 1 and 2). To adjust the belt up, slide the adjuster up. (You do not have to push the release button.) art:0001183-C Figure 1 — The shoulder belt height adjuster 12 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 [SR06057(ALL)05/95] 10-1/2 pica art:0001184-D [SR06070(ALL)05/95] *[SR06075(ALL)05/95] *[SR06100(ALL)05/95] *[SR06200(ALL)05/95] *[SR06300(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints Figure 2 — Adjusting the shoulder belt height Make sure the adjuster is firmly in one of the four positions. The belt should be adjusted up or down until the belt rests on your shoulder near your neck. RWARNING Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Be sure the shoulder belt 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 it to fit snugly and as low as possible around your hips. Do not wear it around your waist. Pull the belt across your hips and insert the tongue into the correct buckle on your seat until you hear a snap and feel it lock. Make sure the buckle is securely fastened. 13 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 %*[SR06600(ALL)05/95] *[SR07000(ALL)05/95] *[SR07100(ALL)02/95] [SR07150(ALL)05/94] 10-1/2 pica art:0000008-D %*[SR07300(ALL)05/95] *[SR07500(ALL)05/95] *[SR07525(ALL)05/95] If you need to lengthen the belt, unfasten it and tip the belt tongue at a right angle to the belt. Pull the belt tongue over your lap until it reaches the buckle. If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly. To unfasten the belt, push the release button on the end of the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle. Unfastening the lap belt 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 at no cost from your dealer. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso. 14 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR07550(ALL)05/95] *[SR07600(ALL)05/95] *[SR07650(ALL)05/95] %*[SR07700(ALL)05/95] [SR07725(ALL)05/95] [SR07750(ALL)05/95] [SR07760(ALL)05/95] [SR07775(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints RWARNING Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and 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 safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Safety Belt Warning Label A warning label has been placed on the buckle of each of your vehicle’s front seat safety belts. In a collision of sufficient severity while the safety belt is in use, the safety belt buckle will pull out of the sleeve so that all or part of the orange portion of the label is visible. RWARNING Whenever the orange portion of the label is visible, the safety belt must be replaced. 15 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 [SR07800(ALL)03/95] 17-1/2 pica art:0001322-A %*[SR07850(ALL)05/95] *[SR07900(ALL)05/95] *[SR14300(ALL)04/95] *[SR14650(ALL)05/95] The warning label on the front seat safety belt buckle Cleaning the Safety Belts Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do 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 the protection provided to properly belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal collisions. The supplemental air bag system does not provide restraint to the lower body. 16 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR14800(ALL)05/95] *[SR14950(ALL)05/95] The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts RWARNING Safety Restraints *[SR15000(ALL)01/95] *[SR15100(ALL)01/95] *[SR15200(ALL)01/95] *[SR15300(ALL)01/95] *[SR15400(ALL)01/95] %*[SR15500(ALL)01/95] *[SR15550(ALL)05/95] *[SR15600(ALL)05/95] 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: n help keep you in the proper position (away from the air bag) when it inflates n reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or rear impact collisions, because an air bag is not designed to inflate in such situations n reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions that are not severe enough to activate the supplemental air bag n reduce the risk of being thrown from your vehicle The Importance of Being Properly Seated RWARNING If a passenger is not properly seated and restrained, an inflating air bag could cause serious injury. In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely fast to help provide additional protection for you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate with considerable force. If you are not seated in a normal riding position with your back against the seatback, the air bag may not protect you properly and could possibly hurt you as it inflates. 17 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR16050(ALL)05/95] *[SR16100(ALL)06/95] *[SR16250(ALL)05/95] *[SR16275(ALL)05/95] RWARNING Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in the front seat. In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback or center armrests (if so equipped), or center console (if so equipped). REAR-FACING INFANT CARRIERS MUST ALWAYS BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child safety seats and infant seats should be secured in the rear seat whenever possible. RWARNING When using forward-facing child seats move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT. Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove 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 should use child or infant seats. 18 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR16300(ALL)05/95] *[SR16325(ALL)05/95] *[SR16400(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints RWARNING Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas that may come in contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision. For further information about the proper mounting of equipment in the front seat of this vehicle, please refer to Ford’s brochure entitled Some Important Information About 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, especially sections entitled Safety Belts for Children and Safety Seats for Children. 19 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR16500(ALL)01/95] *[SR16750(ALL)05/95] [SR16775(O )05/95] 13-1/2 pica 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 activated. art:0001474-A The location of air bags and warning labels 20 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 *[SR17400(ALL)05/95] *[SR17500(ALL)05/95] *[SR17580(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the severity of the impact and activate the air bags if necessary. The air bag system is designed to deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight) head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 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 place in a matter of seconds. RWARNING Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. 21 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 [SR17720(ALL)02/94] 17-1/2 pica art:0001205-A Inflated driver-side air bag 22 File:cdsro.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:13:11 1996 [SR17740(ALL)02/94] 17-1/2 pica art:0001206-A *[SR18400(ALL)05/95] *[SR18425(ALL)05/95] Safety Restraints Inflated passenger-side air bag RWARNING If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision. To 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 the air bag inflators. 23

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1996 Ford Contour Owners Manual