User manual FORD CONTOUR-1996

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introductory Information Safety Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting Your Contour . 93 Electronic Sound Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 139 163 179 185 189 195 261 273 292 Driving Your Contour . [. . . ] After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few seconds. Then, hold your right foot on the brake pedal and release the parking brake. With the clutch pedal depressed to the floor with your left foot, move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse). To move the vehicle, take your right foot off the brake pedal and then slowly release the clutch pedal. (You may need to press down slowly on the accelerator at the same time that you release the clutch pedal. ) Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life. Idling the Vehicle When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running, DO NOT rest your hand on or apply any pressure to gearshift lever when the clutch pedal is not depressed. This may result in erratic engine operation. Shifting the Gears The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted on the floor. The gearshift can be in one of seven possible positions, as shown. 145 The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift Always push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when you shift. You should upshift according to the speeds given in the shift speed chart. Backing up To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gearshift lever in the Neutral position. NOTE: If the following step is not followed, a grinding noise may occur. 3. Wait a minimum of three seconds before attempting to shift into R (Reverse) gear. 4. 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. 5. If the R (Reverse) gear is engaged, slowly release the clutch pedal from the floor. 146 Driving Your Contour Upshifting Most of the time, you should upshift at the following speeds: 147 Downshifting When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to increase speed again. When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes. When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary. Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy. Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with the clutch pedal depressed at speeds higher than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you do, it could cause a complete clutch failure, making your vehicle inoperative. Traction Control (If equipped) The traction control system prevents the wheels from spinning on slippery roads. [. . . ] Safety information relating to automotive Safety restraints adjusting the safety belts . Safety seats for children and air bags . 181, . . 102 104 26 101 186 180 Servicing your vehicle precautions when servicing. Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints) . [. . . ]