Ford Contour (1999 year). Manual - part 39

Roadside emergencies

154

Jump starting

1. Start the engine of the booster
vehicle and run the engine at a
moderately increased speed.

2. Start the engine of the disabled
vehicle.

3. Once the disabled vehicle has
been started, run both engines for
a further three minutes before
disconnecting the jumper cables.

Removing jumper cables

Remove the jumper cables in
the reverse order that they
were connected.

1. Remove the jumper cable from
the “ground” metal surface.

5. Be sure that the cables are clear
of fan blades, belts and other
moving parts of both engines.

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Roadside emergencies

155

2. Remove the jumper cable on the
negative (-) connection of the
booster vehicle’s battery.

4. Remove the jumper cable from
the positive (+) terminal of the
disabled vehicle’s battery.

3. Remove the jumper cable from
the positive (+) terminal of the
booster vehicle’s battery

After the disabled vehicle has been
started and the jumper cables
removed, allow it to idle for several
minutes so the engine computer
can “relearn” its idle conditions.

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Roadside emergencies

156

If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook or slingbelt
towing procedure.

WRECKER TOWING

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Roadside emergencies

157

Never use a tow bar that
attaches to the bumper

when you tow your vehicle.  This
could damage the bumper and
cause an accident.

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE

Before you have your vehicle
towed:

• release the parking brake,

• move the gearshift to N

(Neutral),

• turn the ignition to the off

position and

• unlock the steering wheel.

Automatic transaxle

Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 55 km/h (35 mph) or
for a distance greater than 80 km
(50 miles) unless the drive wheels
are placed on dollies.

Manual transaxle

Do not tow your vehicle at a speed
faster than 90 km/h (55 mph). Your
maximum towing distance is
unlimited.

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