Ford 1996 Contour Manual page 211

Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in
the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of
the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine
coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate
the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under
Engine Type, in this chapter.
Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at
least once a month using the following guidelines.
When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the
engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the
MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be
at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in
either condition, coolant may need to be added.
The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from
internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the
water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the
Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
1.
cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you
remove the coolant recovery cap.
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