check engine FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owner's Manual

155 %
*
[MC17316(ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC17700(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC17710(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC17715(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC17720(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
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.
[MC17800(ALL)02/96]
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 Typein the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
[MC18000(ALL)01/96]
q
If the engine is hot, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to the FULL mark,
and the radiator should be full.
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156 [MC18100(ALL)01/96]q
If the engine is cold, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to just above the
LOW mark, and the radiator should be full.
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032226-A
Engine coolant recovery reservoir
*
[MC18500(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC18600(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC18610(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
[MC18650(ALL)04/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in
an emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
[MC18660(ALL)04/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
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158
*
[MC20575(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC20580(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford
and Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce
coolant which meets Ford specification
ESE-M97B44-A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
*
[MC20590(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC20600(ALL)05/96]
Coolant Refill Capacity
*
[MC20650(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, seeRefill capacities for
fluidsin the Index.
[MC20700(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
*
[MC20710(ALL)05/96]
Severe Winter Climate
*
[MC20720(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
S34ÊF [S36ÊC]), it may be necessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
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159 %
*
[MC21200(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[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
*
[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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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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184
*
[MC48950(ALL)07/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC48960(ALL)03/96]
q
20 minutes of driving in stop and go
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC48970(ALL)03/96]
q
10 minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC48980(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during the above driving modes. If
the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M
requirements by using these driving patterns, an
authorized service center can perform a detailed
OBD II drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
%
*
[MC60000(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC60100(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC60200(ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
[MC60300(ALL)01/96]
q
high mount brakelamp
*
[MC60400(ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC60500(ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC60600(ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC60700(ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC60800(ALL)01/96]
q
side markers
*
[MC60900(ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
*
[MC61000(ALL)01/96]
q
fog lamps
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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.
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Index 243
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............. 15
Accessory position on the ignition..... 44
Additives, engine oil.......... 149
Air bag supplemental restraint system . 69, 78
and child safety seats........77±78
description............. 69,71
driver air bag........... 69,71
indicator light............. 14
operation............... 71
passenger air bag............ 71
service and information labels.... 71,75
tone generator............. 74
Air cleaner filter, specifications...... 199
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)......... 19,27,42
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 155
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 105
see also Brake............ 105
warning light.............. 15
warninig light............. 9
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 214
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 211
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 19
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 46
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding............. 161
fluid, checking............ 161
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive.... 112
fluid, adding............. 161
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997