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. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation. Indicates that vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow. [. . . ] Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing. 130 Driving Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure: · Stay within your vehicle's load limits. · Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to tow in this chapter. · Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving while towing a trailer in this chapter. · Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the severe duty schedule in the maintenance guide and or service guide. · Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). · Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications. 131 Driving Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer to Loading your vehicle in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure that it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer retailer if you require assistance. Auxiliary coolers are recommended for the power steering system and automatic transaxle system if you are planning on: · Traveling farther than 80 km (50 miles). · Towing frequently. 132 Driving Using a hitch Do not use hitches that: · Clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change weight on the hitch. Follow the instructions of a reputable rental agency. Using trailer lamps See your local trailer retailer or rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Do not hook the trailer lamps directly into the vehicle's wiring system. If the trailer lamps are not working properly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may not work properly. 133 Driving Using trailer brakes Use electric brakes or manual, automatic or surge type hydraulic brakes that meet federal and local regulations. [. . . ] . 82, 216 vehicle sensitive locking mode . 77 warning light and chime . . 7, 17 Safety seats for children and air bags . . 102 automatic locking mode (retractors) . . 103 Seats adjusting the seats, manual . [. . . ]