Ford Contour (1999 year). Manual - part 49

Maintenance and care

194

The fuel system may be
under pressure. If the fuel

filler cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it
stops before completely removing
the fuel filler cap. Otherwise fuel
may spray out and injure you or
others.

Fuel filler cap

If the “check engine” indicator
comes on and stays on when you
start the engine, the fuel filler cap
may not be properly installed. Turn
off the engine, remove the fuel
filler cap and reinstall it being
careful to align the cap properly.

If you must replace the fuel
filler cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft part.
The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel
tank or fuel system if an
authorized Motorcraft fuel
filler cap is not used.

Cleaner air

Ford approves the use of gasolines
to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates such as a maximum of
10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There
should be no more than 5%
methanol with cosolvents and
additives to protect the fuel
system.

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Maintenance and care

195

Calculating fuel economy

To accurately calculate your
vehicle’s fuel economy:

1. Fill the tank completely and
record the initial odometer reading.

2. Each time you fill the tank,
record the amount of fuel added
(in litres or gallons).

3. After at least three to five fill-
ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current mileage reading.

4. Use one of the following
equations to calculate fuel
economy.

Litres used x 100 / Total kilometres
traveled.

Total miles traveled / Total gallons
used.

Keep a record for at least one
month. This will provide an
accurate estimate of the vehicle’s
fuel economy.

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Maintenance and care

196

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with
various emission control
components and a catalytic
converter which will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To
make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission
control components continue to
work properly:

• Use unleaded fuel only.

• Avoid running out of fuel.

• Do not turn off the ignition while
your vehicle is moving, especially
at high speeds.

• Have the items listed in your
maintenance guide and or service
guide performed according to the
specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance
services listed in the maintenance
guide and or service guide are
required because they are
considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft, or
Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for
service of components affecting
emissions control, such non-Ford
parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company parts
in performance and durability.

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Maintenance and care

197

BRAKE

O/D
OFF

TRACTION

CONTROL

Alternative design

Alternative design

Watch for fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
engine overheating, illumination of
the charging system warning light
or the check engine warning light.
These events could indicate that
the emission control system is not
working properly.

Exhaust leaks may result in
entry of harmful and

potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.

Do not park, idle or drive
your vehicle in dry grass or

other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.

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