maintenance FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G User Guide

152 %
*
[MC07100(ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC07200(ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[MC07300(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
Oil change intervals
*
[MC07400(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC07500(ALL)05/96]
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.
*
[MC07600(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC07700(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC17282(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC17284(ALL)01/96]
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.
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159 %
*
[MC21200(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
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[MC21300(ALL)05/96]
The proper procedures to completely drain and
flush the engine cooling system can be found in
the Service Manual for your vehicle or you can
see your dealer. See the order form located
before this chapter. Follow these recommended
procedures to ensure that your vehicle has the
specified engine level and 50/50 mixture of
cooling system fluid and water.
%*
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC22200(ALL)04/96]
Check all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in themaintenance
schedule. Repair or replace with Motorcraft hoses
or equivalent as necessary.
%
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC23200(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC23300(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
normal operating temperature range.
*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC23500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
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161
%*
[MC29542(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[MC29544(ALL)02/96]
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 Schedulebooklet 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.
%*
[MC29546(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC29548(ALL)04/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
[MC29550(ALL)01/96]
Pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end
clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube
and make sure it is fully seated; otherwise, you
will not get an accurate reading. Pull the
dipstick out and read the fluid level.
[MC29555(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032228-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
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162 [MC29560(ALL)01/96]The fluid level must be above the ªLº mark. If it
is not, you should not drive your vehicle until
more fluid is added. Ideally, the fluid level
should be within the specified area of the
dipstick.
*
[MC29565(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC29570(ALL)05/96]
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.
*
[MC29575(ALL)01/96]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC29580(ALL)01/96]
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.
%
*
[MC29611(ALL)01/97]
Battery
*
[MC29612(ALL)02/97]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
normally does not require additional water
during its life of service. However, for severe
service usage or in high temperature climates,
check your battery electrolyte level, at least
every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km).
Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the
ªlevelº indicator. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
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169 %
*
[MC43194(ALL)01/96]
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
*
[MC43196(ALL)05/96]
Inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails,
glass or other objects that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may
permit air to leak from the tire and make the
necessary repairs.
*
[MC43198(ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and
other damage. If you suspect internal damage to
the tire, have it removed and checked. You may
need to repair or replace it.
%*
[MC43200(ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC43202(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[MC43204(ALL)01/96]
Do not include the spare tire as part of your
rotation.
*
[MC43206(ALL)02/96]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. If you notice the tires wearing
unevenly, have them checked.
[MC43208(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0030224-E
Rotating the tires
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180
*
[MC44060(ALL)01/96]
3. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the
fuel tank and record the final odometer
reading.
*
[MC44065(ALL)01/96]
4. Divide the total number of miles that you
have driven by the total number of gallons
that your vehicle has used. In metric,
multiply the number of liters used by 100
and divide the answer by the number of
kilometers traveled. This will give you the
number of liters used per 100 km.
%*
[MC44070(ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[MC44075(ALL)05/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
%*
[MC44080(ALL)01/96]
Improving Fuel Economy
*
[MC44085(ALL)01/96]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
*
[MC44090(ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC44095(ALL)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC44100(ALL)01/96]
q
Excessive speed
*
[MC44105(ALL)01/96]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[MC44110(ALL)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC44115(ALL)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
*
[MC44120(ALL)01/96]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[MC44125(ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
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181
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[MC44130(ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC44135(ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC44140(ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
[MC44145(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more) fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
%
*
[MC47600(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC47700(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC47750(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[MC47800(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC47900(ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC48000(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC48100(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC48200(ALL)07/96]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule.
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182
*
[MC48300(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC48400(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC48500(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC48550(ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC48575(ALL)01/96]
If other than Ford or Motorcraft or Ford
authorized remanufactured parts are used for
maintenance, replacement, or for the service of
components affecting emissions control, the
owner should be assured that such parts are
warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability. Please
consult your warranty information booklet for
complete warranty information.
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183
*
[MC48600(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC48700(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC48800(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC48900(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC48910(ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
[MC48920(ALL)02/97]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If your
ªCheck Engineº light is on, reference the ªCheck
Engineº light description under the Warning
Lights and Gauges section. Your vehicle may not
pass an I/M test with the Check Engine light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is
reset to a not ready for for I/M testing
condition. To prepare for I/M testing, additional
mixed city and highway driving to complete the
check of the OBD II system is necessary.
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195 %
*
[MC74000(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC74100(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
*
[MC75000(ALL)05/96]
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
*
[MC75100(ALL)01/96]
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or an abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.
%
*
[MC80000(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[MC80100(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[MC80200(ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[MC80300(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[MC80400(ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[MC80500(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[MC80600(ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
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