battery FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owner's Manual

165 %
*
[MC29675(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
%*
[MC29690(ALL)02/96]
WARNING
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.
%
*
[MC30100(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC30200(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[MC30300(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[MC30400(ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

191 %
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[MC63600(ALL)01/96]
To replace the high-mount brakelamp bulb, refer
to the instructions below or take your vehicle to
your Ford dealer or a qualified technician.
[MC63700(ALL)01/96]
To remove the high-mount brakelamp:
[MC63800(ALL)01/96]
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
[MC63900(ALL)01/96]
2. Raise the hatchback.
[MC64000(ALL)04/96]
3. Gently pull the hatchback trim panel away
from the hatchback.
[MC64100(ALL)04/96]
4. Disconnect the luggage compartment lamp
electrical connector (if equipped) and lay the
trim panel aside.
[MC64200(ALL)04/96]
5. Rotate the high-mount lamp socket
counterclockwise and remove it from the
housing.
[MC64300(ALL)04/96]
6. Carefully remove the bulb by gently pulling
it straight from the socket.
*
[MC64400(ALL)01/96]
To install a bulb:
[MC64500(ALL)01/96]
1. Firmly install the replacement bulb into the
socket.
[MC64600(ALL)01/96]
2. Place the socket assembly in the high-mount
stoplamp housing and turn clockwise to lock
into position.
[MC64700(ALL)01/96]
3. Position the hatchback trim panel and
connect the luggage compartment lamp
electrical connector (if equipped).
[MC64800(ALL)01/96]
4. Insert the trim panel retaining clips into the
locating holes in the hatchback and push
each clip firmly into position.
[MC64820(ALL)04/96]
5. Close the hatchback and reconnect the
negative battery cable.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

197 %
*
[MC81500(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[MC81600(ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC81700(ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[MC81800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[MC81900(ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[MC82000(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.
*
[MC82100(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC82200(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
%*
[MC82300(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[MC82400(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC82500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC82600(ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[MC82700(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

211
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14ichsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:58:16 1997

244 Index
B
Backing up.............112, 116
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery................. 162
acid, treating emergencies . . . 139, 164±165
charging system warning light...... 11
disconnecting............. 142
how to service............ 162
jumping a disabled battery....... 138
maintenance-free........... 162
proper disposal, recycling....... 164
replacement, specifications....... 199
servicing............... 162
voltage gauge.............. 11
when storing your vehicle....... 197
Brake fluid............... 152
brake warning light........... 9
checking and adding......... 152
description.............. 152
Brakelamp............... 191
bulb replacement........... 191
high-mount brakelamp........ 191
Brakes................. 105
adjustment.............. 105
anti-lock............... 105
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 15
applying the brakes.......... 105
brake warning light........... 9
fluid, checking and adding....... 152
fluid, refill capacities......... 152
front disc............... 105
if brakes do not grip well....... 105
master cylinder............ 152
new brake linings............ 5
noise................. 105
parking............... 108
power braking............ 105
servicing............... 152
when storing your vehicle....... 198
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

Index 247
D
Daytime running light system....... 46
Defects, reporting............ 209
Dipstick................ 150
automatic transaxle fluid....... 161
engine oil.............. 150
power steering fluid......... 159
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 143
Doors.................. 53
Driving under special conditions
heavy load.............. 118
towing a trailer............ 119
E
Electrical system, fuses.......122, 128
Electronic radio with cassette (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 42
atenna................. 42
radio reception............. 27
tuning the radio............ 21
warranty and service information.... 30
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 21
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 211
battery acid spills.........139, 165
fuel................. 178
jump-starting............. 138
towing................ 143
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 108
Emission control system......... 181
catalytic converter.......... 181
emissions warranty......... 3,181
Engine
check engine warning light....... 13
does not start........... 96,100
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

256 Index
Servicing your vehicle.......... 145
precautions when servicing...... 146
servicing when you tow........ 143
Shift positions (see Gearshift).....111, 115
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)........ 63,65
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints)..... 65
Side mirrors............... 51
adjusting................ 52
Snow tires and chains.......... 173
Spare tire................ 130
changing the tire.........130, 133
conventional spare.......... 132
finding the spare........... 132
removing the spare tire........ 132
storing the flat tire........132, 136
temporary spare........... 130
Spark plugs, specifications........ 199
Speedometer............... 18
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 93
starting a cold engine.......... 95
starting after a collision........ 100
starting a warm engine......... 95
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 138
Steering wheel, locking........... 44
Storage compartments........... 54
map pockets.............. 54
Storing your vehicle........... 195
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 14
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 69
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 184
cleaning............... 193
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 33
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 87
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

258 Index
U
Upshift speeds............. 117
Used engine oil, disposal.....146, 152, 162
V
Variable interval wipers.......... 48
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................. 183
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . 206, 213
Vehicle loading, understanding loading
information.............. 118
Vehicle storage............. 195
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control).......... 33
Viscosity (see Engine oil)......... 149
Voltmeter (see Battery voltage gauge).... 11
W
Warm engine, starting........... 95
Warning chimes
key in ignition............. 16
safety belt............... 9
Warranties................ 3
basic.................. 3
Canada................. 3
radio.................. 30
Warranty Information Booklet....... 3
Washer fluid............... 48
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 118
Wheel and tire matching......... 171
Wheel dollies (see Towing)........ 143
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997