FORD 1999 Contour - Manual (Page 175)

Maintenance and care
175
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature 66°C - 77°C
(150°F - 170°F).
The transaxle fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
10°C - 35°C (50°F - 95°F).
If the vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds,
in the city during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about thirty
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and engage the parking
brake.
2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in
P (Park) and leave the engine
running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
31CMCen 3/25/99 3:45 PM Page 175