oil level FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual

61
*
[LG03615(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[LG03715(ALL)07/93]
This light indicates low oil pressure, not low oil
level. However, if the engine's oil level is low, it
could affect the oil pressure. This light comes on
every time the ignition key is turned to ON or
START, but it normally turns off when the
engine starts.
[LG03800(ALL)05/93]
one inch art:0030173-C
Engine oil pressure light
[LG03900(ALL)02/95]
If the light stays on or turns on while the engine
is running:
*
[LG04000(ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
[LG04100(ALL)03/94]
2.Shut off the engine immediately.Continued
operation could cause severe engine damage.
[LG04200(ALL)02/95]
3. Check the engine oil level. Make sure the car
is on level ground.
[LG04300(ALL)07/93]
4. Add oil to the full mark on the dipstick
before you drive your car again. Do not
overfill. Do not operate the engine when the
oil light is on. For more information about
adding oil, seeEngine oil recommendationsin
the Index.
[LG04350(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not rely on the oil light to tell you
when the oil is low. Have the oil checked
often. It is possible for damage to occur if
an engine is operated with a low oil level.
File:05iclgf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:32:51 1996

188
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
[SV14050(ALL)04/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
or 1 (First).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the dipstick (highlighted in yellow)
and carefully pull it out of the engine.
[SV14300(ALL)05/93]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)07/93]
quarter page art:0032227-B
Engine oil dipstick
[SV14500(ALL)02/95]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is at or below the ªLº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some
oil must be removed from the engine.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

189 [SV14550(ALL)12/93]
NOTE: The distance between the L (low) and
F (full) marks on the dipstick
represents 1.0 liter (1.06 U.S. qts and
0.88 Imp. qts).
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
*
[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV16400(ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[SV16500(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0060618-C
Oil change intervals
*
[SV16600(ALL)06/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for additional information.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

190 [SV17250(ALL)05/95]NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV17275(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17280(ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500(ALL)02/95]
Checking the engine coolant
[SV17550(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[SV17800(ALL)02/95]
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 underEngine Type,in this
chapter.
[SV18000(ALL)04/89]
q
If the engine is hot, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to the FULL mark,
and the radiator should be full.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

207 %
*
[SV29530(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29535(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
[SV29540(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
*
[SV29610(ALL)05/95]
Battery
*
[SV29612(ALL)02/95]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does
not require additional water during its life of
service. The vents are part of the cover and
cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
*
[SV29614(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both 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.
*
[SV29616(ALL)07/95]
Battery replacement
[SV29620(ALL)09/93]
If the original equipment battery requires
replacement (under warranty), it may be
replaced by a Motorcraft Low-Maintenance
battery.
[SV29625(ALL)04/95]
The Low-Maintenance battery has removable
vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte level
should be checked at least every 24 months or
24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up to
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

209 %
*
[SV29665(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[SV29670(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[SV29675(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
%*
[SV29690(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
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.
*
[SV29700(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29800(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle
is not working properly Ð for instance, the
transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may
notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid
level should be checked.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

211
*
[SV30400(ALL)03/95]
If you must add transaxle fluid in an emergency,
use only MERCONHfluid, such as Motorcraft
MERCONHMulti-Purpose ATF. Add the fluid in
1/2-pint increments until you raise the fluid
level to within the crosshatched area on the
dipstick. Never overfill the transaxle. If the fluid
level gets too high, remove the excess fluid as
soon as possible; otherwise, you could damage
the transaxle.
[SV30475(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV30500(ALL)01/89]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV30600(ALL)08/91]
The lubricant level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal use. However, you
should periodically have your Ford Dealer check
the fluid level during regular oil changes.
[SV30700(ALL)01/89]
Checking manual transaxle oil level
[SV30800(ALL)01/89]
1. Remove the speedometer cable and driven
gear from the transaxle case.
[SV30900(ALL)01/89]
2. Wipe the gear clean and reinsert it.
[SV31100(ALL)02/92]
3. Pull it out again. The oil level should be
between the F and L marks, as indicated in
the illustration.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

212 [SV31300(ALL)08/91]
half page art:0030228-BChecking manual transaxle oil level
%*
[SV31350(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV31600(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV31700(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
[SV31800(ALL)09/93]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic reservoir on the master cylinder. (See
Your Engine Typeearlier in this chapter to locate
the master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at
or near the MAX mark.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996