Ford 1996 Contour Manual page 194

Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
Working with the engine off:
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
1.
is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
1 (First) gear (manual transaxle).
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
2.
off.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
3.
moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on:
Set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
1.
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
Neutral (manual transaxle).
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
2.
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
If the battery is disconnected, the computer must relearn its idle
control. See Battery in the Index.
Servicing Your Contour
RWARNING
197