User manual FORD CONTOUR-1997

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Starting Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 125 149 177 229 235 237 247 259 271 292 Roadside Emergencies . Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accessories . [. . . ] TO REMOVE THE KEY, the gearshift lever must be in P (Park). Once the gearshift is secure in the desired position, release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary. 132 Driving 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 (O/D OFF) is located on the instrument panel. You can put the gearshift lever in any of the several positions. The O/D 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 133 pressed, the transaxle control indicator light will illuminate (O/D OFF) on the instrument panel. When this O/D 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). 134 Driving 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. It prevents the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle Control Switch activated) when going down hills. [. . . ] Safety information relating to automotive Safety restraints adjusting the safety belts. 12 285 Safety seats for children . Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints). Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints) . [. . . ]