1999 Ford Contour Owners Manual

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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

Customer assistance

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)

Index

Contents

20

72

104

112

137

158

217

223

235

236

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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.

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If possible, you should avoid hard braking 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 22
Traction control* Page 23
Power Mirrors* Page 22
Rear window defroster control*

Page 55
Turn signal/high beam Page 6
Instrument cluster

Page 54
Hazard flasher control Page 56
Windshield wiper/washer control

x 1000

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0 0 0 12 3

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0 0 0 0

MPH

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TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

MIRRO R

On

Off

BRAKE

Res

Set Acc

Coast

Page 162
Hood release Page 20, 21
Headlamp control/ Foglamp control*

Page 53
Tilt steering wheel lever

Page 52
Ignition switch Page 57
Speed control* Page 54
Horn

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Page 23
Instrument panel dimmer switch

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 70
Anti-theft system status indicator*

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

Page 24
Climate control system

Page 32
Electronic sound system

*if equipped

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Instrumentation

55

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0 0 0 12 3

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0 0 0 0

MPH

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130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

x 1000

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0 0 0 12 3

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0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
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130

BRAKE

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.

Air bag secondary warning Flashes periodically when there is a malfunction with the air bag system. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Instrumentation

Alternative design

Alternative design

Alternative design

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

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Instrumentation

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x 1000

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0 0 0 0

MPH

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130

BRAKE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

Traction control system light (if equipped) This light comes on when the traction control system has been disengaged. It may flash on and off while driving to indicate the system is operating.

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

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If the light stays on for more than three (3) seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position or stays on continuously while you are driving, have the traction control system checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible. For more information, refer to Traction Control in the Driving chapter.

Low coolant (if equipped) Briefly 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.

O/D Off indicator (Automatic transaxle only) Illuminates and remains illuminated when the transaxle control switch (TCS) on the side of the gearshift lever is pressed and overdrive is turned off. For details, refer to the Driving chapter. 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.

Instrumentation

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

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Instrumentation

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MPH

160

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130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

x 1000

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50

60

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0 0 0 12 3

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0 0 0 0

MPH

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90
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130

BRAKE

TRACTION TRACTION CONTROL CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE

Check engine Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics (OBD II) system. This OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

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Instrumentation

The check engine indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the check engine light illuminates

Light turns on solid: This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your check engine light to illuminate. Examples are: • The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly) • Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel. • The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.

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Instrumentation

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three drive cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the check engine light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.). No additional vehicle service is required. If the check engine light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking: Engine misfire is occuring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle com- ponents, possibly causing a fire.

12

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Instrumentation

Low fuel Illuminates when the fuel tank has approximately eight liters (two gallons) remaining. The lamp will also illuminate when the ignition key is turned to ON and the engine is off.

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 (if equipped) Illuminates when foglamps are switched on. Refer to Foglamp control in the Controls and features chapter for notes on use.

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE

13

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Instrumentation

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0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
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130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

x 1000

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50

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80

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0 0 0 12 3

20

0 0 0 0

MPH

160

90
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120

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130

BRAKE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

Brake system warning Extinguishes when the parking brake is released. Illuminates after releasing the parking brake to indicate low brake fluid level. Illumination while driving may indicate that one of the braking circuits has failed. The second braking circuit will remain intact. However, you will need to brake harder and allow for increased stopping distances.

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Have the system checked by your dealer or qualified technician before continuing your journey.

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.

Brake system and ABS warning lights If both warning lights illuminate at the same time while driving, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the braking system checked by your dealer or qualified service technician before continuing your journey. When stopping the vehicle, slowly reduce the speed. Use the brakes with great care.

Instrumentation

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

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Instrumentation

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MPH

160

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130

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

x 1000

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MPH

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BRAKE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

BRAKE

BRAKE

Alternative design

Engine oil pressure 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.

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Instrumentation

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), traction control, ABS, brake, 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.

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.

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Instrumentation

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0 0 0 12 3

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MPH

160

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BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

TRACTION TRACTION CONTROL CONTROL

O/D OFF

x 1000

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BRAKE

TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES

Engine coolant temperature gauge Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. 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.

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

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

x 1000

Speedometer

Odometer

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Trip odometer

Reset button

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

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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

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Controls and features

x 1000

55

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TRACTION CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

MIRRO R

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.

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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 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.

21

E

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

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Controls and features

x 1000

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TRACTION TRACTION TROL CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

MIRRO R

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.

Traction control system (if equipped) This button turns the traction control system off and on. See Driving for more information.

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Panel dimmer control Adjust the control to vary the intensity of the panel lighting. Operates only when the exterior lights are switched on. To switch on the interior lamp, rotate the control completely to the left.

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.

Controls and features

MIRRO R

MIRRO R

23

E

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

13CCfen 3/25/99 1:50 PM Page 24

Controls and features

x 1000

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TRACTION TRACTION ROL CONTROL

O/D OFF

CHECK ENGINE

MIRRO R

Climate control system

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 (except passenger side outer vent) according to your airflow preference.

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Controls and features

Heater only system (if equipped)

LO

OFF

PANEL

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

Fan speed control Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

LO

HI

Temperature control knob Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle. On heater-only systems, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature.

Mode selector control Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle. • PANEL – Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers. • OFF – Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. • PNL/FLR – Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. • FLOOR – Allows for maximum heating. Distributes outside air through floor ducts.

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Controls and features

• FLR/DEF – Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts. • DEF – Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. Operating tips • In humid weather, select DEF before driving. This will help to prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position. • To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position. • Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats. • Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood). • When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

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Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)

Fan speed control Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode selector control Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle. The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except PANEL, PNL/FLR, and FLOOR. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F ) or above. Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

Controls and features

LO

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

HI

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

LO

HI

OFF

PANEL A/C MAX A/C

PNL/FLR

FLOOR FLR DEF DEF

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Controls and features

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct. • MAX A/C – Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors