FORD Contour 1998 User Manual
Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 17
Seating and safety restraints 47
Starting and driving
Starting 79
Driving 87
Roadside emergencies 110
Contents
Servicing
Maintenance and care 128
Capacities and specifications 186
Reporting safety defects (U. S. only) 192
Index 193
1
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.
2
If possible, you should avoid hard
breaking 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
3
Instrumentation
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
Res
Set
Acc
CoastOff
On
N
O
R
M
A
L
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
BRAKE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1 00
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
Page 19
Rear window
defroster control*
Page 20
Power mirrors*
Page 30
Turn signal/high beam
Page 6
Instrument cluster
Page 29
Hazard flasher
control
Page 31
Windshield
wiper/washer
control
Page 132
Hood release
Page 17
Headlamp control/
Foglamp control*
4
Page 28
Tilt steering
wheel lever
Page 27
Ignition switch
Page 32
Speed control*
Page 29
Horn
Instrumentation
H M
:
I0 20
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
64
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
Page 19
Instrument panel dimmer
switch
On various models the
appearance and location of
some items may differ from
those shown here. However,
the page references given
still apply.
Page 45
Anti-theft system status
indicator*
Page 21
Clock
Page 22
Climate control system
Electronic sound system;
refer to “Audio Guide”
*if equipped
5
Instrumentation
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
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.
6
Alternative design
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.
Instrumentation
Alternative design
Alternative design
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Alternative design
7
Instrumentation
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
Low coolant (if equipped)
Briely 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.
8
O/D Off indicator
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINE
(Automatic transaxle only)
Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off.
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.
Check engine
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned on and the engine is off.
Also illuminates when the engine’s
emission control system requires
service or if the fuel filler cap is
not fitted correctly.
Instrumentation
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level is
low.
9
Instrumentation
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
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
Illuminates when foglamps are
switched on.
Refer to Foglamps control in the
Controls and features chapter for
notes on use.
10
Brake system warning
BRAKE
BRAKE
BRAKE
BRAKE
BRAKE
BRAKE
Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illuminates after
releasing the parking brake to
indicate low brake fluid level.
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.
Instrumentation
Alternative design
Alternative design
Engine oil pressure
Briefly 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.
Alternative design
11
Instrumentation
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
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), 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.
12
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.
Instrumentation
Air bag supplemental restraint
system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
13
Instrumentation
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES
Tachometer (if equipped)
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
14
N
O
R
M
A
L
Engine coolant temperature
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the NORMAL area.
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.
Instrumentation
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.
Speedometer
Odometer
Trip odometer Reset button
15
Instrumentation
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
CHECK
ENGINE
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
120
1 30
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
100
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
CHECK
ENGINE
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge displays the
approximate level of usable fuel left
in the fuel reservoir.
16
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
H M
:
I0 20
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
64
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1 10
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
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.
Controls and features
17
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,
• the vehicle has a fully released
parking brake, 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.
18
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.
Panel dimmer control
Adjust the control to vary the
intensity of the panel lighting.
Operates only when the exterior
lights are switched on.
Controls and features
19
Controls and features
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
H M
:
I0 20
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
64
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1 10
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
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.
20
H M
:
I0 20
Digital clock
Switch the ignition on: The clock
can be set to either 12 or 24 hour
format.
Controls and features
To toggle between 12 or 24 hour
format, depress the H button and
the M button simultaneously and
then release them.
To advance the hours, press the H
button; to advance the minutes
press the M button. To advance
rapidly, depress and hold the
corresponding button.
Audio system
For information on the audio
system, refer to the “Audio Guide”.
Hours Minutes
21
Controls and features
H M
:
I0 20
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
64
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
Climate controls
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 according to your airflow
preference.
22
OFF PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C*
FLOOR
DEF*
FLR
DEF*
MAX*
A/C
/
LO
HI
Temperature
Turn the temperature control to
the desired mix of warm or cool air
(left for cooler and right for
warmer).
Fan speed
Turn the fan speed control to the
desired speed.
Controlling airflow
Turn the mode control to the
desired airflow position.
The A/C compressor (if equipped)
operates in the positions marked *.
Controls and features
23
Controls and features
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
Using MAX A/C mode
(if equipped)
The MAX A/C mode recirculates
the air and directs it to flow
through the instrument panel
vents.
This mode is noisier, but provides
quicker cooling than the A/C mode.
The A/C compressor only functions
if the outside temperature is above
10°C (50°F).
Using A/C mode (if equipped)
The A/C mode directs outside
conditioned air to flow through the
instrument panel vents. The A/C
mode can be used for heating,
ventilating and air conditioning.
The A/C compressor only functions
in the A/C mode if the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
24
Using the PANEL mode
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
The panel mode directs outside air
to the panel vents.
OFF mode
Select the off position for all
climate control functions to cease.
The outside inlet door will close
and the fan will shut off.
Drive with the climate control
system on (either in heating or A/C
mode) to reduce humidity in your
vehicle.
Using the PNL/FLR mode
The panel/floor mode directs
outside air to flow through both the
panel and floor vents.
Controls and features
Using the FLOOR mode
The floor mode directs outside air
to the floor vents.
25
Controls and features
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
Using the FLR/DEF mode
The floor/defrost mode directs
outside air to flow through the floor
vents and windshield defroster
vents. The A/C compressor (if
equipped) will function to
dehumidify the windows provided
the outside temperature is above
10°C (50°F).
Using the DEF mode
In addition to defogging and
demisting the front windshield, the
defrost mode of your vehicle also
has the capability to demist the
front side windows. The A/C
compressor (if equipped) will
function to dehumidify the
windows provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
Passenger compartment air
filter
Your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter that removes pollen and road
dust from outside air before it is
directed to the interior of the
vehicle. Refer to the Maintenance
and care chapter for maintenance
of this filter.
26
STEERING COLUMN
3
4
2
1
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
R
O
R
S
CONTROLS
Ignition
1. Ignition off, steering wheel
locked.
On vehicles with automatic
transaxles, the ignition key can
return to this position only if the
gearshift lever is in P (Park).
2. The accessory position. Steering
unlocked, radio operational.
Ignition and all main electrical
circuits are disabled.
The ignition key should not be left
in this position for too long to avoid
discharging the battery
unnecessarily.
3. Ignition switched on, all
electrical circuits operational.
Warning and indicator lights
illuminate. This key position is for
normal driving.
4. Starter motor activated. Release
the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Controls and features
27
Controls and features
H M
:
I0 20
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
64
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1 10
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
Tilt steering
Pull the locking lever on the
steering column cover up to adjust
the steering column position.
Secure the wheel by pushing the
locking lever down.
Never adjust the steering
wheel while the vehicle is
moving.
28
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.
Horn
Press the pad. The horn can be
operated when the ignition is off.
Controls and features
29
Controls and features
H M
:
I0 20
OFFLO PNL/FLR
PANEL
A/C
FLOOR
DEF
FLR
DEF
MAX
A/C
HI
/
POWER AUDIO AM/FM
SCAN
SEEK
31
2
64
5
ANS
SIDE 1-2
EJECT
VOLUME
000123
0 0 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1 10
120
130
MPH
20
40
60
55
80
120
100
140
160
180
200
E F
1
/
2
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
1
2
0
3
x 1000
4
5
6
7
8
N
O
R
M
A
L
BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
TRACTION
CONTROL
O/D
OFF
M
I
R
R
O
R
S
Multi-function switch
The turn signal functions are
available only with the ignition
switch on.
Right turn signal
Move the lever up.
Left turn signal
Move the lever down.
Flash-to-pass
Pull the lever toward you and
release quickly for “flash-to-pass”
operation.
High beam headlamps
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel.
30
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