1999 Ford Contour Owners Manual

If you are carrying objects that might damage the center rear three-point safety belt, you can unbuckle the end of the belt from the small buckle on the seat cushion and let the retractor reel it up. Reconnect the belt tongue to the buckle when you fold the seat back up. Refer to Center position three-point safety belts in this chapter. To raise the rear seat back, push the seat back upward until it locks in place. Make sure it is firmly latched by pushing forward and back on it.

Check to see that the seat and seat back are latched

securely in position. Keep luggage area free of objects that would prevent proper engagement.

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SAFETY RESTRAINTS Important safety restraints precautions The use of safety belts helps to restrain both driver and passenger in case of a collision. In most states and Canada, the law requires the use of safety belts.

Front and rear seat occupants including

pregnant women, should wear safety belts for optimum protection in an accident.

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to

lessen the risk of the door coming open in a collision.

Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from

shifting and causing damage to the vehicle or harm to passengers.

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure children sit where

they can be properly restrained.

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Using safety restraints properly Combination lap and shoulder belt Insert the tongue into the slot in the buckle to fasten. Push the red release button and remove the tongue from the slot to unfasten. The passenger safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front and rear seat passenger safety belts have two types of locking modes.

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. Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around your neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person.

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Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode The vehicle sensitive mode is the normal retractor mode which locks the belts in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly, turns a corner sharply or your vehicle receives an impact of 8 km/h (5 mph) or more the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. The retractor can be made to lock by pulling sharply on the belt.

Automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically prelocked; however, the belt will react to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver’s safety belt.

When to use the automatic locking mode • When a tight lap and shoulder belt fit is desired. • Any time a child safety seat is installed in the vehicle. For information on the proper use of a child safety seat, refer to Child safety seats later in this chapter.

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Using automatic locking mode The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child safety seat in any passenger seat. 1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt. 2. Grasp the shoulder belt portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted. 3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates that the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

Canceling automatic locking mode Disconnect the combination lap and shoulder belt and allow it to completely retract. This will cancel the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

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Front seat safety belt height adjustment

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.

To lower the height of the shoulder belt: 1. Push the control down. 2. Slide down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt: 1. Slide up. 2. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure that it is locked in place.

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Center position three-point safety belts If the lower end of the belt has been unbuckled, pull the belt steadily from the reel and insert the small tongue into the small buckle until a distinct “click” is heard. This buckle should be left buckled except when the seatback is folded down and cargo that might damage the seatbelt or get it dirty is being hauled. Pull the seat belt across the hips and insert the big (sliding) tongue into the appropriate buckle until a distinct “click” is heard. Should the center rear belt need to be unlatched from its anchorage, a thin probe is required to be inserted into the hole located on the underside of the floor mounted buckle. If the buckle and tongue are not reconnected, then the belt is not safe to be used.

Safety belt indicator light and warning chime Illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

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Conditions of operation If the driver safety belt is not buckled before the ignition key is turned to on, the safety belt indicator illuminates for 1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds for 4-8 seconds. If the driver safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the reminder chime is sounding, the safety belt indicator light and reminder turn off.

Safety belt extension assembly The safety belt may be too short even when fully extended. Approximately 20 cm (8 inches) may be added to the length of the belt with a safety belt extension (part number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are available at no cost from your dealer. Only use extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is on the label located at the end of the webbing. Do not use the extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

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Care of safety belts Periodically check the belts for damage or fraying. Check the security of the anchorage points and the locking action of the inertia reels by giving each belt a sharp tug. Belts subjected to strain, as in the result of an accident, should be replaced and the anchorages checked by your dealer or a qualified technician.

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

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.

Whenever the orange portion of the label is visible,

the safety belt must be replaced.

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WARNING Replace buckle assembly if this vehicle is in a collision or if any orange portion of this label is visible. (See Owner Guide). Failure to replace this buckle assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of collision.

AVERTISSEMENT Remplacer l'ensemble de boucle de ceinture en cas de collision avec ce véhicule, ou si la partie orange de cette étiquette est visible (Voir le Guide du proprietare). Faute de remplacer cet ensemble de boucle, des blessures graves pourraient être encourues en cas de collision.

REPLACE BUCKLE/REMPLACER BOUCLE

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Seating and safety restraints

BRAKE

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

POWER

AUDIO

AM/FM

VOLUME

SCAN

ANS

EJECT

CLOCK

SEEK

SIDE

1-2

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 TROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

MIRRO R

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system (SRS) is designed to: • work with the safety belt to protect the driver and right front passenger. • reduce certain upper body injuries.

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Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near

the air bag covers that may come into contact with an inflating air bag.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide. Children should always wear safety belts. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

When installing forward- facing child seats in the

front seat, always move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. Never install rear-facing child seats or rear-facing infant seats in the front seat.

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How does the air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) work? The SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle is in a collision, similar to hitting a fixed barrier head-on at 12-24 km/h (8-14 mph). The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burned propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag), or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present, which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic.

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Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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.

The SRS consists of the following: • driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags), • one impact and one safing sensor, • a readiness light and a secondary warning light, and • the electrical wiring and components. The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system readiness (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag backup power, and the air bag ignitors.

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CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a secondary warning light to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrumentation chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light will either flash or stay lit. • The readiness light will not illuminate after ignition is turned on. • The air bag secondary warning light will flash five times. The pattern will repeat periodically until the problem or the readiness light is repaired. If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

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Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local dealership or a qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

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CHILDREN AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure children sit where

they can be properly restrained.

Whenever possible, put children in one of the rear

seats in your vehicle. Accident statistics indicate that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats than in the front seats.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets

unattended in your vehicle.

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that

has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

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Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are 4 years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lb] or less), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle.

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.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. When possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.

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Children and safety belts Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by the child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraints and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit. If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned: • move the child to one of the seats with a lap belt only (if equipped), OR • if the child is the appropriate size, restrain the child in a safety seat.

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To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt- positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster seat should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs of your child with your pediatrician.

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Built-in child seats

Built-in child safety seat (if equipped) The rear seat may include a built-in child seat. This child seat conforms to all federal and local motor vehicle safety standards. Read the labels located on the child seat cushion and shoulder belt for information on the built-in child seat. Use the built-in child seat only if the child is at least one year old, weighs 10-27 kg (22-60 lbs) and the child’s shoulders fit below the shoulder harness slots on the built- in child seat. Children not meeting these requirements should be secured in an aftermarket seat. Refer to Child safety seats in this chapter.

All built-in child restraints, including seats, buckles,

retractors, seat latches, interlocks, and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified dealer technician after any collision.

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Child seat interlock safety feature The interlock ensures that a child is not placed in the integrated child seat when the folding seatback is not securely latched. It prevents the seatback from being unlatched while the child seat is in use. When the child seat is deployed, the seatback cannot be released.

Built-in child seat retractors The belts on built-in child seats are equipped with a retractor. The retractor will automatically snug the belts around the child. If the belts do not remain snug, take the vehicle to your dealer or a qualified technician for child seat repair. The belts will not remain snug during a collision if the retractor is not functioning properly.

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Placing your child in the built-in child seat

Failure to follow all of the instructions on the use of this child restraint system can result in your child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or crash.

Never use the built-in child seat as a booster cushion

with the adult safety belts. A child using the adult belts could slide forward and out from under the safety belts.

The rear seatback must be fully locked before operating

the child safety restraint system.

1. Make sure that the seatback is securely latched in place. 2. Grasp the child seat cushion and pull the top forward to release the latch. Continue to unfold the child seat until it rests on the seat in the fully open position.

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3. Read all the information and warnings on the child seat cushion and shoulder safety belt. Make sure the child is not too large for the child seat.

4. If connected, squeeze the tabs on the top and bottom of the chest clip and pull the halves apart to open the chest clip. Then release the lower half of belt by pressing the red button. 5. Place the child in the child seat and position the shoulder belts over each shoulder.

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6. Insert either the left or the right safety belt tongue into the single opening of the crotch safety belt buckle (it doesn’t matter which tongue is inserted first). Insert the other tongue. The color green must appear in the indicator window on each tongue when buckled. Allow belts to retract and fit snugly.

If both tongues do not latch in the buckle, do not use the

child seat. See your dealer for repairs.

7. Fasten both halves of the chest clip below the child’s shoulders and adjust it to comfortably hold the shoulder belts in place on the child’s chest. The color green must appear in the indicator window when fastened. 8. Pull the lap portion of the belts toward you to make sure the crotch safety belt buckle is properly fastened and the retractor is locked. 9. If the belts become too tight, unbuckle the crotch safety belt buckle to unlock the retractors, then reinsert both belt tongues.

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Removing your child from the built-in child seat 1. Squeeze the tabs on the top and the bottom of the chest clip and pull the halves apart to open the chest clip. 2. Press the release button on the crotch safety belt buckle. 3. Slide the shoulder belts off the child’s shoulders and remove the child.

To stow the built-in child seat Return the child seat cushion to the upright position, then press firmly in the center and top of the child seat.

Inspecting the built-in child seat after a collision All built-in child restraints, including seats, buckles, retractors, seat latches, interlocks and attaching hardware should be inspected by your dealer or a qualified technician after any collision. If the child seat was in use during a collision, Ford recommends replacing it. Built-in child restraints not in use during a collision should be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

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Seating and safety restraints

Child safety seats

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps see Attaching safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. When installing a child safety seat: • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating postion. • Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Using automatic locking mode in this chapter.

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Seating and safety restraints

Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seat positions 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

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.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

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4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode. 7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.

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8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

Attaching safety seats with tether straps Some manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer their tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

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Seating and safety restraints

To install a tether from a child safety seat in the front seat, route the tether strap under the vehicle seat head restraint and hook the tether hook into the hole in the tongue of the center rear lap belt. After the hook is in the hole, pull on the loose end of the lap belt webbing to shorten the belt and tighten the tether strap. To install a tethered child safety seat in the rear seat, you will need tether anchor hardware.

Tighten the anchor according to specifications.

Otherwise, the safety seat may not be properly secured and the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Tether anchor hardware Tether anchor hardware kits (part number 613D74), including instructions, may be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln- Mercury dealer. All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a tether anchor hardware kit.

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Starting

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (rpm). When the engine starts, the idle rpm runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce

very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or

other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

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Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

IMPORTANT VENTILATION INFORMATION If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (1 inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

Starting

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

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Starting

Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

Guarding against exhaust fumes Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation system checked whenever: • the vehicle is raised for service. • the sound of the exhaust system changes. • the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

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PREPARING TO START THE VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the spark ignition system. This system meets all Canadian Interference- Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal before or during starting. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

Starting

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Starting

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle: • Make sure the parking brake is set. • Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: • Make sure the parking brake is set. • Push the clutch pedal to the floor otherwise the engine will not crank (turn over). • Put the gearshift into neutral.

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3. Turn the key to the on position (without turning the key to start). Make sure the following lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer or a qualified service technician.

• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the safety belt warning light does not illuminate.

Starting

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

Alternative design

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Starting

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Turn the key to the start position (4) without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to the on (3) position.

2. If the engine does not start within five seconds, wait ten seconds and try again. 3. If the engine does not start in two attempts OR the temperature is below -12°C (10°F), depress the accelerator pedal and start the engine while holding the accelerator pedal down. Release accelerator pedal when the engine starts. Vehicles equipped with the 2.0 l engine: If the engine fails to start, continue to crank with the accelerator depressed about 1/4 of the way down and hold that position until the engine starts. DO NOT crank for more than 30 seconds or you could damage the starter. 4. After idling the engine for a few seconds, apply the brake pedal and release the parking brake.

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USING THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater- defroster system to respond quickly. It is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach –23°C (–10°F) or below.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for more than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

Starting

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Driving

BRAKES Your brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” for maintenance intervals.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (if equipped) The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lock-up during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied, helping to ensure that the vehicle can be steered and the driver can avoid obstacles. Operation of the anti-lock braking system The anti-lock braking system is not employed during normal braking. It becomes operational only when it senses differences in the rotational speed of the road wheels, indicating that they are about to lock-up. Its operation is indicated by a pulsing of the brake pedal. Do not release the pedal while braking.

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Driving

Two important rules when braking in emergencies with ABS:

Braking with ABS • In an emergency, apply full force on the brake pedal. In vehicles with manual transaxles, you must also depress the clutch pedal. The anti-lock braking system will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles. • We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks. • Although the ABS ensures optimum braking efficiency, stopping distances can vary greatly, depending on the road surface and conditions. Use of the ABS cannot eliminate the dangers inherent in driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, hydroplaning, excessive cornering speed, or poor road surfaces.

1. Apply full force on both brake and clutch pedal (if equipped).

2. Steer around the obstacle. No matter how hard you brake, steering control is maintained.

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Driving

Parking brake To engage the parking brake: Pull the handle upward.

To release the parking brake: 1. Press and hold the release button. 2. Push handle downward to the off position.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the

gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (first) (manual transaxle).

To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking brake while outside the vehicle.

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Driving

TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped) This system prevents wheel spin at all speeds. The control will toggle this function on and off, but the feature defaults to on after each cycle of the ignition key. The traction control system controls excessive wheel spin by automatically applying and releasing the brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. This can occur when accelerating on a slippery road, a loose surface or when pulling away on a hill. The traction control lamp flashes on the instrument panel when the system is functioning to regulate tire traction. When the ignition is turned to the on position, the traction control system light comes on for approximately three (3) seconds. If the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to the on position or if it remains on continuously when the traction control system is turned on, have the system serviced by your dealer or a qualified service technician. You can continue to drive and do not need to have the vehicle towed in. You should not take unnecessary driving risks because of the system’s safety potential.

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Driving

Switching off traction control If you become stuck in snow or on a slippery road surface, try switching off the traction control system by pressing the switch. This may allow the excess wheel spin to “dig“ the vehicle out or enable a successful “rocking“ maneuver. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes, because it could damage the vehicle. The light in the control illuminates continuously when the system has been switched off. To reactivate the system, depress the switch again or restart the engine.

STEERING YOUR VEHICLE Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle. If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more effort. Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump.

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Driving

Speed sensitive power steering (if equipped) The steering system is speed sensitive. This means that the steering effort is light for parking and heavier for highway driving. However, if you have to swerve around an object or another vehicle, your vehicle will have full power assist.

TRANSAXLE OPERATION

Automatic transaxle (if equipped) Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle are equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from the P (Park) position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

Putting your vehicle in gear You must push the thumb button to move the gearshift to the position you choose. To operate: 1. Start the engine. 2. Depress and hold the brake pedal. 3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).

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Overriding the brake-shift interlock feature If it is necessary to use this procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps may not be working. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter. If you cannot move the gearshift lever from P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed: 1. Turn the ignition off and remove the ignition key. 2. Apply the parking brake and the brake pedal. 3. Insert a screwdriver or similar item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the square opening to the right of the gearshift at the base of the console. 4. Rotate the screwdriver point rearward.

5. Push and hold the thumb button and move the gearshift. 6. Remove the screwdriver when the gearshift moves from the P (Park) position.

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The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the lock position. When the gearshift is in any position except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to lock or removed from the steering column. To remove the key, the gearshift lever must be in P (Park). Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary.

Driving

Never leave a vehicle unattended while it is

running.

• P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

• R (Reverse) The vehicle only moves backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting in or out of R (Reverse).

P = Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

R = Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . N = Neutral. . . . . . . . . . . . D = Drive: Gear 1 to 4

with overdrive . . . . . . Gear 1 to 3
with overdrive cancelled . . . . . . . . . . 2 = Gear 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 = Gear 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .

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• N (Neutral) The wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the parking brake or brakes are on.

• D (Overdrive) Note that the vehicle’s gearshift is console-mounted on the floor. The transaxle control switch (TCS) is located on the gearshift handle. The transaxle control indicator light (O/D light) is located on the instrument panel. Overdrive is not shown on the display, but is the default mode for the D gearshift position. This is the normal driving mode for the best fuel economy. The transaxle operates in gears one through four. The O/D light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle operation. Overdrive can be deactivated by pressing the transaxle control switch (TCS) located on the gearshift handle. The O/D OFF indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster.

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• D (Drive) D (Drive) provides more engine braking than overdrive and is useful when driving through hilly terrain or if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills. Activate by pressing the transaxle control switch (TCS) located on the gearshift handle. The O/D OFF indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Transaxle operates in gears one through three. To return to overdrive mode, press the transaxle control switch.The O/D OFF indicator light will extinguish. When starting your vehicle, the transaxle will automatically return to normal overdrive mode when the D (Drive) gearshift position is selected.

Driving

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

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Driving

• 2 (Second) Use the 2 (Second) position to start up on slippery roads or to provide additional braking on downgrades. When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in second gear. Do not go faster than 90 km/h (55 mph) in this gear.

• 1 (First) Use the 1 (First) position to provide maximum engine braking on steep downgrades. Upshifts will not occur while the gearshift lever remains in the 1 (First) position. Upshifts may be made by shifting to the 2 (second) position or to D (Drive). Selecting the 1 (First) position at high speeds causes the transaxle to downshift through the gears and will shift to 1 (First) after the vehicle decelerates to the transaxle first gear designed speed. Do not go faster than 60 km/h (38 mph) in this gear.

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Manual transaxle (if equipped) Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

Using the clutch When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: 1. Hold down the brake pedal. 2. Depress the clutch pedal. 3. Put the gearshift lever in neutral. 4. Start the vehicle. 5. Put the gearshift in 1 (First) or R (Reverse). 6. Release the clutch slowly while pressing gradually down on the accelerator pedal. Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions may reduce the clutch life.

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Recommended shift speeds

2.0 litre engine 5-speed transaxle

shift speed schedules

Recommended

upshifts:

Shift from First to second Second to third Third to fourth Fourth to fifth

During acceleration:

During cruise*:

km/h

22
40
53
77

mph 14
25
33
48

km/h

19
32
46
64

mph 12
20
29
40

2.5 litre engine 5-speed transaxle

shift speed schedules

Recommended

upshifts:

Shift from First to second Second to third Third to fourth Fourth to fifth

During acceleration:

During cruise*:

km/h

22
40
53
73

mph 14
25
33
45

km/h

16
32
50
64

mph 10
20
31
40

*The vehicle can be shifted at lower speeds to improve fuel economy.

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Parking 1. Apply the brake and the clutch and shift into neutral. 2. Engage the parking brake. 3. Shift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse). 4. Turn the ignition off.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move

unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (first) gear and set the parking brake.

Reverse 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. 3. If the following direction is not followed, a grinding noise may occur. Wait a minimum of three seconds before attempting to shift into R (Reverse) gear.

Driving

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Driving

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.

LOADING YOUR VEHICLE Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with these terms. Base curb weight Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, and lubricants. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment.

Payload Combined maximum allowable weight of passengers, cargo, and optional equipment.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Base curb weight plus the payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.

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GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) Maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment, and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Carrying capacity for each axle system (front and rear). The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

GCW (Gross Combined Weight) The GCW is the maximum combined weight of the towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer. The GCW is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed to tow.

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Payload = GVWR minus Base curb weight To obtain the correct weight for your vehicle, try taking your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the originals because they might lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR. (Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.) In high altitudes, engines will lose power at a rate of 3% power per 300 m (1 000 ft) increase in elevation. A reduction in GVW and GCW is recommended for maximum vehicle performance.

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

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900 m (3000 ft) 600 m (2000 ft) 300 m (1000 ft)

-9%

-6%

-3%

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It is extremly dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Driving with a heavy load The total weight of the vehicle plus the total weight of passengers and cargo should never exceed the GVWR. The weight that the vehicle carries over the front and rear axles should never exceed the GAWR for the respective axle. The weight limits of your vehicle’s tires affect the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Using tires with higher weight limits than the original tires will not increase the GVWR or GAWR of your vehicle; using tires with lower weight limits may lower the GVWR or GAWR of your vehicle.

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TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum of 454 kg (1 000 lbs) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs). It should also have 2.3 sq. meters (25 sq. feet) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) while towing a 454 kg (1 000 lb) trailer. Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.

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Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure: • Stay within your vehicle’s load limits. • Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to tow in this chapter. • Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving while towing a trailer in this chapter. • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the severe duty schedule in the maintenance guide and or service guide. • Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). • Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications.

Driving

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Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer to Loading your vehicle in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.

Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure that it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer retailer if you require assistance. Auxiliary coolers are recommended for the power steering system and automatic transaxle system if you are planning on: • Traveling farther than 80 km

(50 miles).

• Towing in hilly terrain. • Towing frequently.

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Using a hitch Do not use hitches that: • Clamp onto the vehicle bumper. • Attach to the axle. Distribute the load so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change weight on the hitch. Follow the instructions of a reputable rental agency.

Using trailer lamps See your local trailer retailer or rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Do not hook the trailer lamps directly into the vehicle’s wiring system. If the trailer lamps are not working properly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may not work properly.

Driving

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Using trailer brakes Use electric brakes or manual, automatic or surge type hydraulic brakes that meet federal and local regulations. Install and adjust brakes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system

directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

Using safety chains Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach to the vehicle frame or hook retainers (not the bumper). Make sure there is enough slack to allow the vehicle to turn corners.

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Driving while towing a trailer Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) while towing a 454 kg (1 000 lb) trailer. Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any weight trailer while towing in hilly terrain or on hot days. Speed control (if equipped) may not work properly while towing on long, steep grades. If driving with an automatic transaxle: • Use D (Drive) or a low gear rather than D (Overdrive) by depressing the TCS button on the side of the gearshift lever, while towing up or down steep inclines. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. If driving with a manual transaxle: • Select a gear that avoids jerking or excessive engine speed. • Avoid driving excessively in first or second gear. If you need to drive excessively in first or second gear, the trailer may be too big or too heavily loaded for the vehicle drivetrain. • Shift to a lower gear while towing up or down steep hills. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

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FUEL CONSUMPTION Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding: • lack of regular, scheduled maintenance, • excessive speed, • rapid acceleration, • driving with the brake pedal depressed, • sudden stops, • extended engine idling, • use of speed control in hilly terrain, • extended use of the air conditioner, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories, • underinflated tires, • heavy loads, • aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.

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Roadside emergencies

HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown or approaching danger. Depress to activate. Depress again to switch off. The hazard lights can be operated when the ignition is off.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH If the engine cranks, but does not start or does not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt. Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch by hand before you can start your vehicle. The switch is located on the side panel in front of the driver’s side door.