🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Contour Year: 1997 Trim Levels Covered: All Codes Chassis Code: JN1 Platform: Ford CDW27 Platform (shared with Mercury Mystique) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: 1997 Ford Contour owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs; professional automotive technicians Value Proposition: Provides dealership-level technical information, saving time and reliance on external repair services Competitive Analysis Differentiation: Exclusive focus on the 1997 Ford Contour, providing specific, non-generic repair data unlike aftermarket guides Key Features Content Highlight: Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications for comprehensive repairs Convenience: Single PDF manual, printable pages, easy access to specific sections 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service and repair for all models and all repairs A-Z Specific Focus: Not generic; specific to the 1997 Ford Contour model Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typical for factory service manuals, often 1000+ pages) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Digital Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip Digital Compatibility: All Versions of Windows and Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting/Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Chassis: Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering Electrical And Body: Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication Procedures Included Diagnostic Procedures: Detailed diagnostics for all systems Repair Procedures: Step-by-step repair instructions for all components and systems Maintenance Procedures: Routine maintenance, fluid changes, inspections Specification Setting: Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, etc. Wiring Diagrams: Complete wiring schematics for all electrical systems Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers Diagnostics Level: Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flows 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable within PDF Print Quality Printability: All pages printable Image Scaling: Images can be blown up and printed enlarged Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.0L Zetec-R I4, 2.5L Duratec V6 (KL-ZE variants may be mentioned if applicable to specific export models or performance variants covered by factory documentation, though less common for US market base manual) Performance 2.0L Zetec Power: Approx. 118-125 hp (varies by specific tuning) 2.5L Duratec Power: Approx. 170-175 hp Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typical, higher recommended for 2.5L V6) Cooling System Coolant Type: Ford Premium Gold Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1) Lubrication Engine Oil Type: 5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on specific engine variant and ambient temperature, consult manual for precise recommendation) Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L: Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter) Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L: Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic Optional AWD Option: N/A (Contour was FWD only) Features Automatic Transmission Type: ATX/AX4S (depending on engine) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent) Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon (Contour was primarily sedan, wagon variant was called Mercury Mystique in North America) Wheelbase: 104.5 inches (2654 mm) Length: 187.7 inches (4768 mm) Width: 70.1 inches (1781 mm) Height: 55.3 inches (1405 mm) Weights Curb Weight Approx 2.0L: 2,950 - 3,100 lbs Curb Weight Approx 2.5L: 3,150 - 3,300 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: GVWR varies by model and options, consult specific vehicle documentation or manual Towing Capacity: Not designed or recommended for towing heavy loads 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: 4-star (as per NHTSA ratings for 1997 models) NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: 4-star (as per NHTSA ratings for 1997 models) Active Features ABS: Standard on most trims, optional on some Traction Control: Optional on some models, especially V6 Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard Seatbelts: Front and rear seatbelts, front seat pretensioners Srs System: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) coverage detailed in manual 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, depending on trim level and options. Speakers: Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option on most models. Connectivity Multiplex Communication: The manual covers 'Multiplex/CAN Communication', indicating a basic level of vehicle network communication for diagnostic purposes. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual will specify exact interval. Air Filter Replacement: Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection. Spark Plug Replacement: 100,000...
Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Procedures Included
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostics for all systems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all components and systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, inspections
Specification Setting:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagnostics Level:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flows
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages printable
Image Scaling:
Images can be blown up and printed enlarged
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
2.0L Zetec-R I4, 2.5L Duratec V6 (KL-ZE variants may be mentioned if applicable to specific export models or performance variants covered by factory documentation, though less common for US market base manual)
Performance
2.0L Zetec Power:
Approx. 118-125 hp (varies by specific tuning)
2.5L Duratec Power:
Approx. 170-175 hp
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typical, higher recommended for 2.5L V6)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Gold Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1)
Lubrication
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on specific engine variant and ambient temperature, consult manual for precise recommendation)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic
Optional
AWD Option:
N/A (Contour was FWD only)
Features
Automatic Transmission Type:
ATX/AX4S (depending on engine)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon (Contour was primarily sedan, wagon variant was called Mercury Mystique in North America)
Wheelbase:
104.5 inches (2654 mm)
Length:
187.7 inches (4768 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
55.3 inches (1405 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx 2.0L:
2,950 - 3,100 lbs
Curb Weight Approx 2.5L:
3,150 - 3,300 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR varies by model and options, consult specific vehicle documentation or manual
Towing Capacity:
Not designed or recommended for towing heavy loads
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (as per NHTSA ratings for 1997 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (as per NHTSA ratings for 1997 models)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on some
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, especially V6
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, front seat pretensioners
Srs System:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) coverage detailed in manual
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, depending on trim level and options.
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Connectivity
Multiplex Communication:
The manual covers 'Multiplex/CAN Communication', indicating a basic level of vehicle network communication for diagnostic purposes.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual will specify exact interval.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for Platinum or Iridium plugs (if equipped), 30,000 miles for conventional copper plugs (if equipped). Manual will specify.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles. Manual: Inspect as per manual. Manual will detail specific intervals and procedures.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific Ford power steering fluid