User manual FORD CONTOUR-1999

[. . . ] Contents 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 158 217 223 235 236 1 2 4 20 72 104 112 137 Introduction ICONS Indicates a warning. Indicates that vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps toward this aim. [. . . ] The O/D OFF indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. 120 Driving · 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. 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. TRACTION CONTROL O/D OFF 121 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. 122 Driving 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. Release the clutch slowly while pressing gradually down on the accelerator 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. 123 Driving Recommended shift speeds 2. 0 litre engine 5-speed transaxle shift speed schedules Recommended During acceleration: During cruise*: upshifts: Shift from km/h mph km/h mph First to second 22 14 19 12 Second to third 40 25 32 20 Third to fourth 53 33 46 29 Fourth to fifth 77 48 64 40 2. 5 litre engine 5-speed transaxle shift speed schedules Recommended During acceleration: During cruise*: upshifts: Shift from km/h mph km/h mph First to second 22 14 16 10 Second to third 40 25 32 20 Third to fourth 53 33 50 31 Fourth to fifth 73 45 64 40 *The vehicle can be shifted at lower speeds to improve fuel economy. 124 Driving Parking 1. Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift lever in the neutral position. 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. 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. 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. Payload Combined maximum allowable weight of passengers, cargo, and optional equipment. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Base curb weight plus the payload weight. [. . . ] (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle's operation. ) · Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage that may result from the use of such equipment. 233 Customer assistance ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER'S LITERATURE To order the publications in this portfolio in the United States: Make checks payable to: HELM, INCORPORATED P. O. Box 07150 Detroit, Michigan, 48207 For a free publication catalog, order toll free: 1-800-782-4356 Monday-Friday 8:00 a. m. To order the publications in this portfolio in Canada Make cheques payable to: Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. Box 1580, Station B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4Y 4G3 or order toll free: 1-800-387-4966 Monday-Friday 8:00 a. m. [. . . ]