User manual FORD CONTOUR-1996

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introductory Information Safety Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Station Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introductory Information Ford's Commitment to You At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to learning what you want, determination to develop the right concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and attention to detail. In short, excellence means being the standard by which others are judged. Our Guiding Principles s Quality comes first. [. . . ] If the gearshift lever CANNOT be moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed: 1. With the parking brake applied and the brake pedal depressed, insert a screwdriver about 2" (5 cm) into the square opening to the right of the gearshift at the base of the console. 3. Remove the screwdriver when the gearshift moves from the P (Park) position. 140 Driving Your Contour Overriding the brake shift interlock 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. Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary. 141 Console-mounted automatic transaxle shift control lever R (Reverse) With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) In 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. Driving Your 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 (OD OFF) is located on the instrument panel. The OD OFF light is off (not illuminated) during normal vehicle operation. This allows the transaxle to upshift and downshift from first through fourth gears. When the TCS is pressed, the 142 Driving Your Contour transaxle control indicator light will illuminate (OD OFF) on the instrument panel. When this OD OFF is illuminated the transaxle will upshift and downshift from first through third gears and provide coast braking in second and third gears. To return the transaxle to normal operation (first through fourth gears) depress the TCS again. This switch may be used to cancel overdrive any time the vehicle is being driven. Each time your vehicle is started, the overdrive system will automatically be in the normal overdrive mode and the light will not be illuminated. When to use D (Overdrive -- without Transaxle Control Switch activated) D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic overdrive transaxle. It automatically upshifts or downshifts as the vehicle speeds or slows. However, D (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth gear -- an overdrive gear -- when your vehicle cruises at a consistent speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds. When to use D (Drive -- with Transaxle Control Switch activated) D (Overdrive) may not be appropriate for certain terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears while you are driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, depress the TCS. D (Drive) also gives more engine braking to slow your vehicle on downgrades than D (Overdrive). 143 When to use 2 (Second) When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. [. . . ] 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. 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. [. . . ]