Ford Contour (1999 year). Manual — part 27

Starting

106

Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.

Guarding against exhaust
fumes

Although odorless and colorless,
carbon monoxide is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions to
avoid its dangerous effects.

Have the exhaust and body
ventilation system checked
whenever:

• the vehicle is raised for service.

• the sound of the exhaust system
changes.

• the vehicle has been damaged in
a collision.

If you ever smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside

your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes. These fumes
are harmful and could kill you.

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Starting

107

PREPARING TO START THE
VEHICLE

Engine starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system. This system
meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.

When starting a fuel-injected
engine, avoid pressing the
accelerator pedal before or during
starting. Only use the accelerator
pedal when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more
information on starting the vehicle,
refer to Starting the engine in this
chapter.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants
have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts
and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and
vehicle accessories are off.

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Starting

108

If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transaxle:

• Make sure the parking brake is
set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:

• Make sure the parking brake is
set.

• Push the clutch pedal to the floor
otherwise the engine will not crank
(turn over).

• Put the gearshift into neutral.

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Starting

109

3. Turn the key to the on position
(without turning the key to start).

Make sure the following lights
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.

BRAKE

BRAKE

CHECK

ENGINE

• If the driver’s safety belt is
fastened, the safety belt warning
light does not illuminate.

Alternative design

Alternative design

O/D
OFF

TRACTION

CONTROL

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