check engine light FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual

10 [IS02600(ALL)04/96]This light illuminates for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition key to START or ON. It
normally goes off shortly after the engine starts
and after you release the parking brake.
However, it may stay on for up to 60 seconds. If
the light doesn't illuminate after the engine is
started, stays on for longer than 60 seconds, or
illuminates after you have fully released the
parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system
checked.
[IS02605(ALL)02/96]
To test the brake warning light, release the
parking brake and turn the ignition key to the
START position. The brake warning light should
illuminate until the key is released.
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[IS02650(ALL)03/96]
This light will also illuminate if the parking
brake does not release fully. If it does stay on
afterthe parking brake is fully released, it
means there may be a brake problem. Pull off
the road and stop carefully. You may notice that
the pedal is harder to push, the pedal may go
closer to the floor, or it may take longer to stop
the vehicle. Try the brakes again after you have
stopped.
[IS02675(ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle has a divided brake system. If one
part isn't working, the other part can still work
and stop the vehicle. For good braking, you
need both systems working well.
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[IS02700(ALL)03/96]
WARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
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11 %
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Charging System Light
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[IS03300(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS03400(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030172-C
Charging system light
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[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
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If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
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[IS03615(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[IS03715(ALL)04/96]
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
illuminates every time the ignition key is turned
to ON or START, but it normally turns off when
the engine starts.
[IS03800(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030173-C
Engine oil pressure light
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12 [IS03900(ALL)04/96]If the light stays on or illuminates while the
engine is running:
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1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
[IS04100(ALL)01/96]
2.Shut off the engine immediately.Continued
operation could cause severe engine damage.
[IS04200(ALL)01/96]
3. Check the engine oil level. Make sure the car
is on level ground.
[IS04300(ALL)01/96]
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.
[IS04350(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
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.
%*
[IS04500(ALL)03/96]
High Beam Light
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[IS04600(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights. If your vehicle is equipped with daytime
running lights and you have your headlamps on
your high beam telltale will not illuminate when
you flash the lights.
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[IS04700(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030174-A
High beam light
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13 %
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Check Engine Warning Light
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[IS05400(ALL)04/96]
This light illuminates when the electronic engine
control system is not working properly. This is
the computer system that controls the operating
conditions of the engine.
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one inch art:0030175-B
Check engine warning light
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[IS05600(ALL)04/96]
This light illuminates briefly when you turn the
ignition to the ON position, but should turn off
when the engine starts. If the light does not
illuminate when you turn the ignition to the ON
position or if it illuminates and stays on when
you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. This indicates a possible
problem with one of the engine's emission
control systems.You do not need to have your
vehicle towed in.
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[IS05800(ALL)04/96]
If the light flashes briefly while you are driving,
it means that the condition is no longer present.
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15 %
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Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
(If equipped)
[IS06000(ALL)04/96]
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake system warning
light illuminates. When the engine is started, the
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control unit
determines if all components of the system are
operating correctly. The warning light could
remain on up to 60 seconds.
[IS06025(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032123-B
Anti-lock brake system light
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[IS06050(ALL)03/96]
WARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
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[IS06060(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
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16
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[IS06075(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If your vehicle must be jump-started
because of a low battery, the Anti-Lock
Brake System warning light could
remain on. This is due to low battery
voltage and does not indicate a
malfunction in the system. Under these
circumstances, you should drive your
vehicle only after the battery has had
time to charge and the light has gone
out.
[IS06090(ALL)02/96]
After starting the engine, check all the warning
lights to make sure that they are off. If any one
of them is still lit, it indicates a situation that
needs your attention. When you release the
parking brake, the brake warning light should
go off.
%*
[IS06100(ALL)01/96]
Ignition Key Chime
*
[IS06105(ALL)01/96]
If the driver or passenger door is open while the
key is still in the ignition, a warning chime
sounds.
[IS06115(ALL)02/96]
Headlamps On Chime
[IS06120(ALL)01/96]
This chime will sound when a door is opened
while the headlamps or parking lamps are on.
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[IS06200(ALL)04/96]
Gauges
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[IS06300(ALL)03/96]
Fuel Gauge
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[IS06325(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel you have in the fuel tank.
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The ignition must be turned off while putting
fuel in the tank in order to get a correct fuel
gauge reading after the ignition is turned on.
*
[IS06375(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while
the vehicle is in motion. This is the result of fuel
movement within the tank. You can get a more
accurate reading with the vehicle on smooth,
level ground.
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96 %
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If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
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[TO06885(ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
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[TO06890(ALL)03/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
%*
[TO08350(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[TO08365(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO08375(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
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109 [GF04500(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0030316-A
Parking brake (handbrake)
*
[GF05000(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF05100(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[GF05400(ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF06000(ALL)09/96]
WARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF06500(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
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145
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00900(ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC00925(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC00930(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01000(ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
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150
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[MC05650(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
%*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
or 1 (First).
*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
[MC06300(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the dipstick (highlighted in yellow)
and carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[MC06400(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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