1998 Ford Contour Owners Manual

CDW I_IIImpr_Cont_en C 5/15/97 8:40 PM Page 2

Before driving

Introduction

Instrumentation

Controls and features

Seating and safety restraints

Starting and driving

Starting

Driving

Roadside emergencies

Servicing

Maintenance and care

Capacities and specifications

Contents

17

47

79

87

110

128

186

Reporting safety defects (U. S. only)

192

Index

193

CDW II_A1_en C 5/15/97 8:41 PM Page 2

Introduction

ICONS Indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation. Indicates that vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow. We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps toward this aim.

WARNINGS How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this owner’s guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol.

BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid driving too fast during the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles). Vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

CDW II_A1_en C 5/15/97 8:41 PM Page 3

If possible, you should avoid hard breaking for the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles). From 1 600 km (1 000 miles) onwards you can gradually increase the performance of your vehicle up to the permitted maximum speeds.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Introduction

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Instrumentation

Page 19
Rear window defroster control* Page 20
Power mirrors*

Page 30
Turn signal/high beam Page 6
Instrument cluster

Page 29
Hazard flasher control Page 31
Windshield wiper/washer control

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

MIRRO R

On

Off

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

Res

Set Acc

Coast

Page 132
Hood release Page 17
Headlamp control/ Foglamp control*

Page 28
Tilt steering wheel lever

Page 27
Ignition switch Page 32
Speed control* Page 29
Horn

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Page 19
Instrument panel dimmer switch

H M

I 0 2 0

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

POWER

AUDIO

AM/FM

VOLUME

SCAN

ANS

EJECT

SEEK

SIDE

1-2

Instrumentation

On various models the appearance and location of some items may differ from those shown here. However, the page references given still apply.

Page 45
Anti-theft system status indicator*

Page 21
Clock

Page 22
Climate control system

Electronic sound system; refer to “Audio Guide”

*if equipped

CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 6

Instrumentation

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

N O RMAL

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS AND CHIMES

There are two different instrument cluster designs. The individual warning and indicator lights are described on the following pages.

Turn signal Flashes when the left or right turn signal or hazard lights are activated.

Alternative design

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Charging system Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly and the vehicle may require electrical system service.

Safety belt Illuminates when the ignition is switched on as a reminder to fasten the safety belts. For more information, refer to Safety belt indicator light and warning chime in the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

High beams Illuminates when the headlamp high beams are on.

Instrumentation

Alternative design

Alternative design

Alternative design

CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 8

Instrumentation

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

N O RMAL

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

Low coolant (if equipped) Briely illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. Illuminates when the engine coolant level is low. Refer to the Maintenance and care chapter to check the engine coolant level.

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

Instrumentation

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 9

O/D Off indicator (Automatic transaxle only) Illuminates and remains illuminated when the transaxle control switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever is pressed and overdrive is turned off. Indicates the status of the transaxle and will flash steadily if a malfunction is detected. If the flashing persists, have your transaxle serviced by your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon as possible. If the condition persists, your transaxle may be damaged.

Check engine Illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. Also illuminates when the engine’s emission control system requires service or if the fuel filler cap is not fitted correctly.

CHECK ENGINE

Low fuel Illuminates when the fuel level is low.

CHECK ENGINE

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Instrumentation

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

N O RMAL

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE

Air bag readiness Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Front foglamps Illuminates when foglamps are switched on. Refer to Foglamps control in the Controls and features chapter for notes on use.

10

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Brake system warning Extinguishes when the parking brake is released. Illuminates after releasing the parking brake to indicate low brake fluid level.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light stays on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.

Engine oil pressure Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when engine oil pressure has been lost. Refer to the Maintenance and care chapter to check the engine oil level as soon as possible. If the engine oil level is correct and the light stays on, see your dealer or qualified service technician.

Instrumentation

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

11

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Instrumentation

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

N O RMAL

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

Testing the warning and indicator lights and chimes

Turn the ignition key to the on position without starting the engine. The following warning and indicator lights will illuminate briefly: charging system, safety belt (does not illuminate, if the driver’s safety belt is fastened), low coolant, low fuel, engine oil pressure, check engine and air bag readiness. If any of these lights do not illuminate, see your dealer or qualified service technician.

12

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Instrumentation

Headlamps on warning chime Sounds when the headlamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is open.

Key-in-ignition warning chime Sounds when the key is left in the off/lock or accessory position and the driver’s door is open.

Safety belt warning chime For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

13

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Instrumentation

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

N O RMAL

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES

Tachometer (if equipped) Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).

14

x 1000

CDW IIA2Instrum_en C 5/15/97 8:42 PM Page 15

Engine coolant temperature gauge Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the NORMAL area. If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Switch off the ignition and determine the source of the problem. Refer to Checking and adding engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Speedometer Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Odometer Registers the total mileage of the vehicle.

Trip odometer The trip odometer can register the mileage of individual journeys. To reset, depress the button.

Instrumentation

N O RMAL

Speedometer

Odometer

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

Trip odometer

Reset button

15

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Instrumentation

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

N O RMAL

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

Fuel gauge The fuel gauge displays the approximate level of usable fuel left in the fuel reservoir.

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

16

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Controls and features

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

H M

I 0 2 0

MIRRO R

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

POWER

AUDIO

AM/FM

VOLUME

SCAN

ANS

EJECT

SEEK

SIDE

1-2

INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROLS

Headlamp control

Lamps off. Turn one position clockwise:

Parking lamps, instrument panel lamps, license plate lamps and tail lamps on.

Turn two positions clockwise:

Headlamps on.

17

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Controls and features

Foglamp control (if equipped) Pull out the control while the headlamps are on to turn the foglamps on. Push in the control to deactivate the foglamps.

Daytime running lights (DRL) (Canadian vehicles only) The DRL system turns on the highbeam headlamps, with a reduced light output, when: • the vehicle is running and the ignition is in the on position,

• the vehicle has a fully released

parking brake, and

• the headlamp system is in the off

position.

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.

18

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Controls and features

Rear window defroster (if equipped) Press the defroster control to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog. The ignition must be in the on position to operate the rear window defroster. The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the ignition is turned to the off position. To manually turn off the defroster, push the control again.

Panel dimmer control Adjust the control to vary the intensity of the panel lighting. Operates only when the exterior lights are switched on.

19

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Controls and features

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

H M

I 0 2 0

MIRRO R

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

POWER

AUDIO

AM/FM

VOLUME

SCAN

ANS

EJECT

SEEK

SIDE

1-2

Power mirrors (if equipped) The control can be swivelled and turned. Turn the control counterclockwise to adjust the driver’s side mirror, clockwise to adjust the passenger side mirror. Adjust the selected mirror by moving the center control in the desired direction. Then turn the control back to the center position.

20

MIRRO R

MIRRO R

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Controls and features

Hours

Minutes

H M

I 0 2 0

Digital clock Switch the ignition on: The clock can be set to either 12 or 24 hour format.

To toggle between 12 or 24 hour format, depress the H button and the M button simultaneously and then release them. To advance the hours, press the H button; to advance the minutes press the M button. To advance rapidly, depress and hold the corresponding button.

Audio system For information on the audio system, refer to the “Audio Guide”.

21

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Controls and features

N O RMAL

x 1000

55

50

60

40

40
30
20
10

60 70 80

100

120

80

140

0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
100
110
120

180

200

130

BRAKE

1/2

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

H M

I 0 2 0

MIRRO R

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

POWER

AUDIO

AM/FM

VOLUME

SCAN

ANS

EJECT

SEEK

SIDE

1-2

Climate controls

Your vehicle has one of the following climate control systems: • Manual heating system • Manual heating and air

conditioning system

In some modes, the two systems function similarly. In modes where the systems do not function similarly, the different functions are noted.

Vents Airflow from the vents may be adjusted by moving the horizontal control or vertically adjusting the vent according to your airflow preference.

22

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Controls and features

Temperature Turn the temperature control to the desired mix of warm or cool air (left for cooler and right for warmer).

Fan speed Turn the fan speed control to the desired speed.

LO

HI

Controlling airflow Turn the mode control to the desired airflow position. The A/C compressor (if equipped) operates in the positions marked *.

OFF

PANEL A/C* MAX* A/C

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF* DEF*

23

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Controls and features

Using MAXA/C mode (if equipped) The MAX A/C mode recirculates the air and directs it to flow through the instrument panel vents. This mode is noisier, but provides quicker cooling than the A/C mode. The A/C compressor only functions if the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

Using A/C mode (if equipped) The A/C mode directs outside conditioned air to flow through the instrument panel vents. The A/C mode can be used for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. The A/C compressor only functions in the A/C mode if the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

24

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Controls and features

LO

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

Using the PANELmode The panel mode directs outside air to the panel vents.

OFF mode Select the off position for all climate control functions to cease. The outside inlet door will close and the fan will shut off. Drive with the climate control system on (either in heating or A/C mode) to reduce humidity in your vehicle.

Using the PNL/FLR mode The panel/floor mode directs outside air to flow through both the panel and floor vents.

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

Using the FLOOR mode The floor mode directs outside air to the floor vents.

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

25

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LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF