Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 35

Driving

138

Using trailer brakes

Use electric brakes or manual,
automatic or surge type hydraulic
brakes that meet federal and local
regulations. Install and adjust
brakes according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Using safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety
chains to the vehicle. To connect
the chains, cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and attach to the
vehicle frame or hook retainers
(not the bumper). Make sure there
is enough slack to allow the vehicle
to turn corners.

Do not connect a trailer’s
hydraulic brake system

directly to your vehicle’s brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your
chances of having a collision
greatly increase.

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Driving

139

Driving while towing a trailer

Do not drive faster than 72 km/h
(45 mph) while towing a 454 kg
(1 000 lb) trailer. Do not drive
faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with
any weight trailer while towing in
hilly terrain or on hot days.

Speed control (if equipped) may
not work properly while towing on
long, steep grades.

If driving with an automatic
transaxle:

• Use D (Drive) or a low gear
rather than D (Overdrive) by
depressing the TCS button on the
underside of the gearshift lever,
while towing up or down steep
inclines.

• Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.

If driving with a manual transaxle:

• Select a gear that avoids jerking
or excessive engine speed.

• Avoid driving excessively in first
or second gear. If you need to drive
excessively in first or second gear,
the trailer may be too big or too
heavily loaded for the vehicle
drivetrain.

• Shift to a lower gear while
towing  up or down steep hills.

• Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.

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Driving

140

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:

• lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance,

• excessive speed,

• rapid acceleration,

• driving with the brake pedal
depressed,

• sudden stops,

• extended engine idling,

• use of speed control in hilly
terrain,

• extended use of the air
conditioner, defroster, rear window
defroster and other accessories,

• underinflated tires,

• heavy loads,

• aftermarket add-ons such as
bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.

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Roadside emergencies

141

HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL

Use only in an emergency to warn
traffic of vehicle breakdown or
approaching danger. Depress to
activate. Depress again to switch
off. The hazard lights can be
operated when the ignition is off.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

If the engine cranks, but does not
start or does not start after a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel
pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.

Once the shut-off switch is
activated, you must reset the
switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. The switch is located
on the side panel in front of the
driver’s side door.

22CDren  17.6.99 11:09 Uhr  Seite 141