Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 38

Roadside emergencies

150

CHANGING TIRES

Park your vehicle in such a position
that neither the traffic nor you are
hindered or endangered when
changing the tire. Ensure that the
vehicle is on firm, level ground.
Secure your vehicle further by
blocking the wheels.

Activate the hazard lights.

Apply the parking brake and
engage first or reverse gear if the
vehicle has a manual transaxle or, if
the vehicle has an automatic
transaxle, select the P (Park)
position. 

If parking on a slope is unavoidable,
block the wheels.

The temporary spare tire

The vehicle may have a high
pressure temporary spare tire. This
spare is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use
only. This tire should be replaced
as soon as possible.

If you use the temporary
spare tire continuously or do

not follow these precautions, the
tire could fail, causing you to lose
control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.

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Roadside emergencies

151

80

MAX

km/h

When driving with a temporary
spare tire:

• Do not exceed the maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and
only drive the shortest possible
distance.

• Do not exceed the permissible
gross weight of the vehicle.

• Do not install more than one
spare wheel on your vehicle at any
one time.

• Do not use snow chains on this
type of wheel.

• Do not drive through an
automatic car wash.

Spare tire location

The spare tire and tools are located
under the floor cover in the
luggage compartment.

50

MAX

mph

Removing the spare tire and
tools

1. Raise the rear of the floor cover
in the luggage compartment.

2. Completely unscrew the bolt and
remove the bolt and bracket.

3. Lift out the spare wheel.

4. Unscrew the jack bolt and
remove jack.

5. Obtain jack handle, which is
located on the floor under the
spare wheel.

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Removing a tire

1. Apply the parking brake and 1
(first) gear (manual transaxle) or
the P (Park) position (automatic
transaxle).

2. Activate the hazard flashers.

3. The driver and all passengers
must leave the vehicle.

4. Secure the vehicle against rolling
or sliding.

5. Insert the tapered end of the
jack handle between the rim and
hub cover and push in. Twist off to
remove the cover.

6. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.

Tire changing procedure

7. Place jack with complete support
surface on the ground.

8. The jack must be applied exactly
vertical to the jacking point of the
vehicle.

9. Jack up the vehicle until the tire
is clear of the ground. Unscrew and
remove the wheel nuts and remove
the wheel.

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Replacing a tire

1. Push the spare tire onto the
wheel studs.

2. Screw on the wheel nuts,
ensuring the tapered end of the
wheel nuts are facing the wheel,
and secure in a clockwise direction.

3. Lower the vehicle and remove
the jack by turning the handle
counterclockwise.

4. Fully tighten the wheel nuts in a
crosswise pattern.

5. Align the hub cap with the valve
and push firmly into position with
the ball of the hand.

6. Stow the jack and damaged tire
in the luggage compartment by
reversing the spare tire removal
instructions.

3

4

2

1

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