Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 46

Maintenance and care

182

Battery

Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe service usage or in high
temperature climates, refer to the
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” for
additional information. Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the
“level” indicator. Do not overfill the
battery cell.

For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the
battery cables or terminals, remove
the cables from the terminal(s) and
clean with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution
of baking soda and water. Reinstall
the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of
each battery terminal to help
prevent corrosion.

31CMCen  17.6.99 11:15 Uhr  Seite 182

Maintenance and care

183

Battery replacement

If your original equipment battery
requires replacement while under
warranty, it will be replaced with a
Motorcraft service battery,
identical in design technology. Like
the original equipment battery, it
should not require water addition
during its normal life of service;
however, for severe service usage
or in high temperature climates,
refer to the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” for more
information. Do not overfill the
battery cell.

If the electrolyte level in your
battery gets low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as
you do not use hard water (water
with a high mineral or alkali
content). If possible, however, try
to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs
water often, have the charging
system checked.

31CMCen  17.6.99 11:15 Uhr  Seite 183

Maintenance and care

184

Batteries normally produce
explosive gases which can

cause personal injury. Do not allow
flames, sparks or lit tobacco to
come near the battery. Always
cover your face and protect your
eyes and also provide ventilation.

Applying too much pressure
on the ends when lifting a

battery could cause acid to spill.
Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite
corners.

Follow these steps to
minimize risk of personal

injury.

Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible

manner. Follow your community’s
local standards for disposal. Call
your local recycling center to find
out more about recycling
automotive batteries.

31CMCen  17.6.99 11:15 Uhr  Seite 184

Maintenance and care

185

Relearning the idle function

Because your vehicle’s engine is
electronically controlled, some
control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a
new battery is installed, the
computer must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle can
drive properly. To begin this
process:

1. Put the automatic transaxle
gearshift in P (Park). Put the
manual transaxle gearshift in
neutral.

2. Turn off all accessories and start
the vehicle.

3. Let the engine idle for at least
one minute.

4. The “relearning” process will
automatically complete as you
drive the vehicle.

• If you do not allow the engine to
“relearn” its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is eventually
“relearned”.

• If the battery has been
disconnected or if a new battery
has been installed, the clock and
preset radio stations must be reset
once the battery is reconnected.

31CMCen  17.6.99 11:15 Uhr  Seite 185