Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 32

Driving

126

•

1 

(First)

Use the 1 (First) position to
provide maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades. Upshifts will
not occur while the gearshift lever
remains in the 1 (First) position.
Upshifts may be made by shifting
to the 2 (second) position or to D
(Drive). Selecting the 1 (First)
position at high speeds causes the
transaxle to downshift through the
gears and will shift to 1 (First)
after the vehicle decelerates to the
transaxle first gear designed speed.
Do not go faster than 60 km/h 
(38 mph) in this gear.

•

2 

(Second)

Use the 2 (Second) position to
start up on slippery roads or to
provide additional braking on
downgrades. When your vehicle is
in 2 (Second), it automatically
starts off in second gear. Do not go
faster than 90 km/h (55 mph) in
this gear.

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Driving

127

Manual transaxle (if equipped)

Vehicles equipped with a manual
transaxle have a starter interlock
that prevents cranking the engine
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.

Using the clutch

When starting a vehicle with a
manual transaxle:

1. Hold down the brake pedal.

2. Depress the clutch pedal.

3. Put the gearshift lever in neutral.

4. Start the vehicle.

5. Put the gearshift in 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).

6. Release the clutch slowly while
pressing gradually down on the
accelerator pedal.

Do not drive with your foot resting
on the clutch pedal. Do not use the
clutch to hold your vehicle at a
standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions may reduce the
clutch life.

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Driving

128

22

Recommended shift speeds

2.0 litre engine 5-speed transaxle

shift speed schedules

Recommended

upshifts:

Shift from

km/h

mph

14

25

33

48

40

53

77

mph

12

20

29

40

km/h

19

32

64

First to second

Second to third

Third to fourth

Fourth to fifth

During acceleration:

During cruise*:

46

2.5 litre engine 5-speed transaxle

shift speed schedules

km/h

mph

km/h

mph

10

20

31

40

16

32

50

64

14

25

33

45

22

40

53

73

Shift from

First to second

Second to third

Third to fourth

Fourth to fifth

Recommended

upshifts:

During acceleration:

During cruise*:

*The vehicle can be shifted at lower speeds to improve fuel economy.

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Driving

129

Parking

1. Apply the brake and the clutch
and shift into neutral.

2. Engage the parking brake.

3. Shift into 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).

4. Turn the ignition off.

Do not park your vehicle in
Neutral, it may move

unexpectedly and injure someone.
Use 1 (first) gear and set the
parking brake.

Reverse

To shift into R (Reverse):

1. Completely stop your vehicle.

2. Depress the clutch pedal to the
floor and place the gearshift lever
in the neutral position. Do not
release the clutch pedal.

3. If the following direction is not
followed, a grinding noise may
occur.

Wait a minimum of three seconds
before attempting to shift into R
(Reverse) gear.

1

2

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