1996 Ford Contour Owners Manual

[SV33713(ALL)02/94]

24 pica art:0001228-A

[SV33800(ALL)09/94]

Spare fuses are located in the power distribution box under the hood.

The power distribution box fuses and relays

236

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV33920(ALL)05/95]

twenty-four pica

chart:0000378-I

Servicing Your Contour

237

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV33930(ALL)05/94]

fourteen pica

chart:0001257-B

238

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV33951(ALL)02/95]

[SV33971(ALL)05/94]

[SV34001(O )05/94]

13-1/2 pica

Servicing Your Contour

The Instrument Panel Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Relays

The instrument panel fuse panel is underneath the instrument panel on the left side. To open it, reach under the instrument panel and push the release button to the right of the fuse panel.

art:0000377-B

The instrument panel fuse panel location

239

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV34101(ALL)02/94]

24 pica art:0000381-C

The instrument panel fuses

240

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV34210(ALL)05/94]

Servicing Your Contour

thirty pica

chart:0000379-J

241

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV34401(ALL)01/95]

[SV34501(ALL)04/94]

Relays Outside the Fuse Boxes

sixteen pica

chart:0001229-A %*[SV35200(ALL)06/95] [SV35301(ALL)04/94]

[SV35311(ALL)02/94]

[SV35351(ALL)02/94]

[SV35370(ALL)11/92]

[SV35390(ALL)02/93]

Checking and Replacing Fuses

1. Use the charts to decide which fuse you should check.

2. On the fuse panel decal located on the cover of the power distribution box or on the end of the instrument panel fuse panel, find the number of the fuse you want to check.

3. Find the corresponding fuse and remove it with the fuse

pulling tool that is provided.

4. Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look through the clear

side of the fuse to see if the metal wire inside is separated. If it is, the fuse should be replaced.

5. Replace the fuse with one that has the right amperage rating.

See the following chart.

242

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV36000(ALL)05/94]

7-1/2 pica art:0001319-A

[SV36200(ALL)04/94]

eight pica

chart:0001255-B *[SV36300(ALL)05/95]

%*[SV36700(ALL)03/95] [SV36900(ALL)02/94]

*[SV37000(ALL)02/95] [SV37100(ALL)02/95]

Servicing Your Contour

The side view of a typical fuse

RWARNING

Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire.

Circuit Breakers If you need to check a circuit breaker that is on the instrument panel fuse panel, see Checking and replacing fuses to find out how to locate the fuse panel and pull it down. Diagnostic equipment is needed to check circuit breakers. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Circuit breakers will reset themselves and allow the electrical parts to work again once the overload on the circuit is gone. If

243

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV37200(ALL)02/95]

*[SV37500(ALL)03/95] *[SV37600(ALL)01/95] *[SV37700(ALL)01/95] *[SV37800(ALL)01/95] *[SV37900(ALL)01/95] *[SV37950(ALL)02/95] *[SV38000(ALL)01/95] *[SV38100(ALL)01/95] *[SV38200(ALL)01/95] *[SV38300(ALL)01/95] %*[SV38400(ALL)01/95] *[SV38500(ALL)01/95]

*[SV38600(ALL)01/95] *[SV38700(ALL)11/92]

the circuit breakers continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle’s electrical system checked.

If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the same amperage rating. To remove a circuit breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with your finger and thumb and pull it straight out of its socket. Lights and Bulb Replacement It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights frequently: n headlamps n tail lamps n brakelamps n high-mount brakelamp n hazard flasher n turn signals n side markers n license plate lamp

The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if: n oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your

vehicle’s high beams when you do not have the high beams on

n the headlamps do not seem to give you enough light to see

clearly at night

n the headlamps are not aligned so that they point slightly

down and to the right.

244

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV38800(ALL)03/95] [SV38900(ALL)05/94]

*[SV39000(ALL)05/95]

*[SV39100(ALL)01/95]

*[SV39300(ALL)03/95] *[SV39400(ALL)05/95] *[SV39500(ALL)02/95] [SV39850(ALL)04/94]

[SV40050(ALL)04/94]

*[SV40300(ALL)03/95] [SV40450(ALL)04/94]

[SV40550(ALL)04/94]

Servicing Your Contour

Headlamp Bulb

The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs, one for high beam and one for low beam on each side. When the lamp burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.

RWARNING

Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.

Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you can immediately replace it with a new one. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter the headlamp housing and affect its performance. Removing the headlamp bulb

1. Make sure that the headlamp knob is in the OFF position.

2. Lift the hood and find the bulb in the headlamp socket.

3. Remove the bulb assembly by turning it clockwise and

pulling it out of the headlamp socket.

4. Remove the L-shaped bulb by pressing the retaining clip at the base of the electrical connector and sliding the bulb out.

Installing the headlamp bulb

1. Without touching the glass on the bulb, insert the new bulb. You may want to protect the bulb by holding it with a piece of cloth or paper towel. Make sure the retaining clip at the base of the electrical connector locks.

2. Insert the bulb assembly in the headlamp socket. Turn it

counterclockwise to lock it in place.

245

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV40700(ALL)04/94]

*[SV40750(ALL)02/95] [SV40841(ALL)02/94]

[SV40843(ALL)02/94]

[SV40848(ALL)02/94]

17-1/2 pica

3. Turn the headlamps on and make sure that they work

properly. If the headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should not need to align it again.

High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs

From the back seat, remove the back of the brakelamp assembly. Depress the two retaining tabs on the ends of the assembly and pull off the back.

Turn the burned-out bulb counterclockwise and pull it out. Push in the replacement bulb and turn it clockwise to lock it in the socket. Replace the back of the brakelamp assembly, making sure that the retaining tabs snap into place.

art:0000624-B

The high-mount brakelamp assembly

246

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

[SV40900(ALL)05/95]

[SV40940(O )07/94]

Using the Right Bulbs

Servicing Your Contour

thirty-four pica

chart:0000383-J

247

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV41000(ALL)03/95] *[SV41100(ALL)05/95]

*[SV41200(ALL)05/95]

*[SV41300(ALL)05/95] *[SV41400(ALL)01/95] *[SV41500(ALL)01/95] *[SV41600(ALL)01/95] *[SV41700(ALL)03/95]

*[SV41720(ALL)05/95]

Emission Control System Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission requirements.

RWARNING

Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering, or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission control parts continue to work properly: n Use only unleaded fuel. n Avoid running out of fuel. n Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,

especially at high speeds.

n Have the services listed in the Maintenance Schedule and

Record booklet performed according to the specified schedule. The scheduled maintenance services are required because they are considered essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.

Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or for the service of components affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty information.

248

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV41800(ALL)05/95]

*[SV41900(ALL)05/95]

*[SV42000(ALL)01/95]

*[SV42100(ALL)01/95]

*[SV42300(ALL)01/95]

%*[SV42400(ALL)05/95]

Servicing Your Contour

RWARNING

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.

Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the emission system is not working properly.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or exhaust system.

By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is removed or is prevented from working.

Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.

Information about your vehicle’s emission control system is on the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune-up specifications.

249

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

%*[SV42425(ALL)06/95] *[SV42450(ALL)06/95]

*[SV42475(ALL)06/95] *[SV42501(ALL)06/95]

*[SV42550(ALL)06/95] *[SV42560(ALL)05/95]

*[SV42575(ALL)05/95]

[SV42601(ALL)05/95]

*[SV42610(ALL)06/95]

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing

In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies a “need for additional mixed city and highway driving to complete the check” of the OBD II system. As soon as all of the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving required to reach the ready condition varies with individual driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below. If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the additional driving required by law, a service center can perform this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work. OBD II Drive Cycle

The following steps must be run in the order shown. If any steps are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is acceptable between steps.

Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.

The engine must be warmed up and at operating temperature before proceeding with the drive modes of the following OBD II Drive Cycle.

1. Start the engine. Drive or idle (in neutral) the vehicle for

4 minutes.

2. Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual transaxle) for

40 seconds.

3. Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (70 km/h) at 1/4 to 1/2

throttle for 10 seconds.

250

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV42620(ALL)06/95] *[SV42631(ALL)05/95] *[SV42635(ALL)06/95]

*[SV42641(ALL)06/95] *[SV42645(ALL)06/95] *[SV42650(ALL)06/95] *[SV42655(ALL)06/95] *[SV42661(ALL)06/95]

*[SV42665(ALL)06/95] *[SV42670(ALL)06/95] *[SV42725(ALL)06/95]

Servicing Your Contour

4. Drive the vehicle with a steady throttle at 45 mph

(70 km/h) for 30 seconds.

5. Idle the vehicle in Drive (Neutral for manual transmissions)

for 40 seconds.

6. Continue to drive the vehicle in city traffic at speeds

between 25 and 40 mph (40-60 km/h) for 15 minutes. During the 15 minute drive cycle the following modes must be achieved:

a. at least 5 stop and idle modes at 10 seconds each

b. acceleration from idles at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle position, and

c. choose 3 different speeds to do 1.5 minute steady state

throttle drives.

7. Accelerate the vehicle up to between 45 and 60 mph

(70-100 km/h). This should take approximately 5 minutes.

8. Drive vehicle and hold the throttle steady at the selected

speed between 45 and 60 mph (70-100 km/h) for approximately 5 minutes.

9. Drive the vehicle for 5 minutes at varying speeds between

45 and 60 mph (70-100 km/h).

10.Bring the vehicle back to idle. Idle in Drive for 40 seconds.

11.OBD II drive cycle has been completed. Vehicle can be

turned off when convenient.

251

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV42751(ALL)03/95]

*[SV42775(ALL)03/95] [SV42801(ALL)05/95]

Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant Specifications Refill Capacities

sixteen pica

chart:0000386-Q

252

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV42850(ALL)05/95] [SV42900(ALL)05/95]

Motorcraft Parts

Servicing Your Contour

sixteen pica

chart:0000385-M

253

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV42980(ALL)03/95] [SV43200(ALL)05/95]

Lubricant Specifications

twenty-six pica

chart:0000722-P

254

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV44000(ALL)01/95] *[SV44100(ALL)01/95] *[SV44150(ALL)01/95]

*[SV44200(ALL)01/95] *[SV44300(ALL)01/95] *[SV44400(ALL)01/95] *[SV44500(ALL)01/95] *[SV44600(ALL)01/95] *[SV44700(ALL)01/95]

*[SV44800(ALL)01/95] *[SV44900(ALL)01/95] *[SV45000(ALL)01/95]

*[SV45100(ALL)04/95] *[SV45200(ALL)01/95] *[SV45300(ALL)01/95]

Servicing Your Contour

Vehicle Storage Maintenance Tips

If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.

General n Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place. n Protect from sunlight, if possible. n If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to protect against rust and damage.

Body n Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or

mud from exterior surfaces, rear wheel housing and underside of front fenders.

n Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations. n Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust. n Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of

auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is washed.

n Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges and latches

with a light grade oil.

n Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading. n Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.

255

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

%*[SV45350(ALL)01/95] *[SV45400(ALL)01/95] *[SV45500(ALL)01/95] %*[SV45600(ALL)01/95] %*[SV45700(ALL)07/94] *[SV45900(ALL)03/95]

*[SV46000(ALL)01/95]

*[SV46100(ALL)01/95]

%*[SV46200(ALL)01/95] *[SV46300(ALL)01/95] %*[SV46400(ALL)01/95] *[SV46500(ALL)01/95] *[SV46600(ALL)01/95] *[SV46650(ALL)03/95]

Engine n Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches

normal operating temperature.

n With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears

while the engine is running.

Fuel system n Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel until the first

automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.

NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. This can damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system and may also clog small orifices.

Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed 60 days. Follow the instructions on the label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system. A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel system will protect the fuel system’s inner surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions packaged with the product. Cooling system n Protect against freezing temperatures. Battery n Check and recharge as necessary. n Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of

grease.

n If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without

recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for quick starting.

256

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

%*[SV46700(ALL)01/95] *[SV46800(ALL)01/95] %*[SV46900(ALL)01/95] *[SV47000(ALL)05/95] *[SV47100(ALL)01/95] *[SV47200(ALL)01/95] *[SV47300(ALL)05/95]

Servicing Your Contour

Brakes n Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released. Tires n Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous n Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under

vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.

n Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15 days to

lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.

257

File:cdsvo.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

*[SV99900(O )05/95]

thirty-two pica

chart:FORDADVIL

258

File:cdqio.ex Update:Thu Jan 25 12:27:36 1996

[QI00500(ALL)05/95]

33-1/2 pica

art:0001473-A

Warning label locations

261

a

F

3

F

’

a

F

F

F

F

F

INDEX

ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system) Additives, engine oil . Air bag supplemental restraint system

and child safety seats . description . disposal driver air bag . indicator light. operation . passenger air bag . proper seating . tone generator wearing safety belts .

Air cleaner filter

location . specifications .

Alarm, activating remote personal. Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system). Antifreeze (see Engine coolant) . Anti-lock brake system (ABS), warning light . Anti-theft lug nuts and key. Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) Assistance (see Customer assistance). Audio system (see Electronic sound system) . Automatic transaxle driving with . fluid, adding . fluid, checking . fluid, refill capacities fluid, specification .