Ford Contour (1999 year). Manual - part 40

Maintenance and care

158

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

• We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for easy
location.

• As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.

• We provide you with a
maintenance guide and or service
guide which makes tracking routine
service for your vehicle easy.

If your vehicle requires professional
service, your Ford dealership can
provide necessary parts and
service. Check your “Warranty
Guide” to find out which parts and
services are covered.

Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.

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159

Precautions when servicing
your vehicle

Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:

• Do not work on a hot engine.

The cooling fan is automatic
and may come on at any

time. Always disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery
before working near the fan.

• If you must work with the engine
running, avoid wearing loose
clothing or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts. Take
precautions with long hair.

• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have
enough ventilation.

• Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts.

If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained under
Battery in this chapter.

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Maintenance and care

160

Working with engine off
(automatic transaxle)

1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).

2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.

3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

Working with engine off 
(manual transaxle)

1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (first) or R (Reverse).

2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.

3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

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161

Working with engine on
(automatic transaxle)

1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).

2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner removed

and do not remove it while the
engine is running.

Working with engine on
(manual transaxle)

1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in neutral.

2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

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