Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 3

Instrumentation

10

Traction control system light 
(if equipped)

This light comes on when the
traction control system has been
disengaged. It may flash on and off
while driving to indicate the system
is operating.

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O/D
OFF

CHECK

ENGINE

BRAKE

TRACTION

CONTROL

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H

O/D
OFF

TRACTION

CONTROL

Instrumentation

11

O/D Off indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)

Illuminates and remains
illuminated when the transaxle
control switch (TCS) on the side of
the gearshift lever is pressed and
overdrive is turned off. For details,
refer to the Driving chapter.

Indicates the status of the
transaxle and will flash steadily if a
malfunction is detected. If the
flashing persists, have your
transaxle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified service technician as
soon as possible.

If the condition persists, your
transaxle may be damaged.

O/D
OFF

TRACTION

CONTROL

O/D
OFF

TRACTION

CONTROL

If the light stays on for more than
three (3) seconds after the
ignition is turned to the ON
position or stays on continuously
while you are driving, have the
traction control system checked
by a qualified technician as soon
as possible.

For more information, refer to
Traction Control in the Driving
chapter.

Low coolant (if equipped)

Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the engine
coolant level is low. Refer to the
Maintenance and care chapter to
check the engine coolant level.

Instrumentation

12

Check engine

Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the
engine’s emission control system.
This system is commonly known
as the On Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system. This OBD II system
protects the environment by
ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD II
system also assists the service
technician in properly servicing
your vehicle.

CHECK

ENGINE

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BRAKE

O/D
OFF

CHECK

ENGINE

TRACTION

CONTROL

C

H

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TRACTION

CONTROL

O/D
OFF

CHECK

ENGINE

BRAKE

TRACTION

CONTROL

C

H

Instrumentation

13

The check engine indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the
engine’s emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light
may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted.
The vehicle will usually be drivable
and will not require towing.

What you should do if the check
engine light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system
has detected a malfunction. 

Temporary malfunctions may cause
your check engine light to
illuminate. Examples are:

• The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run
poorly)

• Poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel.

• The fuel cap may not have been
securely tightened.