Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 43

Maintenance and care

170

6. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is beyond
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.

7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.

Continuous contact with
used motor oil has caused

cancer in laboratory mice.

Adding engine oil 

1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer to Checking the
engine oil in this chapter.

2. If the fluid level is not within the
normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.

3. Recheck the oil level. Make
sure the oil level is not above
the MAX mark on the dipstick.

Change your engine oil and oil filter
according to the scheduled mileage
and time requirements, whichever
occurs first.

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Refer to the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” for additional
information.

Always dispose of used

automotive fluids in a

responsible manner. Follow your
community’s standards for
disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your local recycling center to
find out more about recycling
automotive fluids.

It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.

Empty and used oil

containers must be disposed

of at an authorized waste disposal
facility.

Engine oil filler cap 

The design of the filler cap varies
by engine. To open, turn in the
direction of the arrow and pull. Do
not open the cap while the engine
is running.

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Brake/clutch fluid reservoir

Brake and clutch fluid systems are
supplied from the same reservoir.

The level of the fluid must lie
between the MIN and MAX marks
on the side of the reservoir. If the
level falls below the MIN mark, the
brake fluid level warning light on
the instrument cluster will
illuminate. Add only DOT 3, DOT 4
or Super DOT 4 brake fluid that
meets the Ford specification (see
the chapter Capacities and
specifications).

If you use brake fluid that is not
DOT 3, DOT 4 or Super DOT 4 you
will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.

MAX

MIN

Brake fluid is toxic.

BRAKE

BRAKE

Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run dry.

This may cause the brakes to fail.

Windshield washer system 

If necessary, add enough washer
fluid to fill the reservoir. Follow the
instructions on the washer fluid
label.

Alternative design

Do not put engine coolant in
the container for the

windshield washer fluid.

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Maintenance and care

173

Cooling system - engine coolant

MAX

MIN

The importance of engine
coolant

Engine coolant provides freeze
protection, boil protection, cooling
efficiency and corrosion protection
to the engine and cooling
components. In order to obtain
these protections, the engine
coolant must be maintained at the
proper concentration and fluid
level in the coolant reservoir.

Your vehicle was factory-filled with
a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration
of coolant falls below 40 % or rises
above 60 %, the engine parts could
become damaged or not work
properly. A 50/50 mixture of
coolant and water provides the
following:

• Boiling protection up to 265°F
(129°C).

• Freeze protection down to -34°F
(-36°C).

• Protection against rust and other
forms of corrosion.

• Enables calibrated gauges to
function properly.

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