FORD PROBE 1996 2.G Owners Manual

161
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[DR11100(ALL)11/91]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[DR11200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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).
*
[DR11400(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
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.
*
[DR11600(ALL)01/95]
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
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
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162
%*
[DR14000(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR14100(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR14200(ALL)05/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use particular care until you become accustomed
to its various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR14300(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[DR14700(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR14800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
[DR14900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, your vehicle's
front-wheel drive may provide better
acceleration than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
However, this does not mean that your vehicle
can stop any faster or any better than a vehicle
with rear-wheel drive. Exercise the same caution
while driving on slippery roads with your
front-wheel drive vehicle as you would with a
rear-wheel drive vehicle.
*
[DR15100(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR15200(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR15400(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR15500(ALL)05/95]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. NOTE: Do not
pump your brakes if your vehicle is equipped
with the anti-lock brake system feature.
*
[DR15600(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
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163
*
[DR15700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) with the
automatic transaxle when moving faster
than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not downshift
into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle
when moving faster than 10 mph
(16 km/h).
*
[DR15750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your
vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or
snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the spot.
Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and
reverse gears. While in each gear, press lightly
on the accelerator and release.
*
[DR15900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
*
[DR16000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. If you are still stuck after a minute
or two of rocking, call for a tow truck.
[DR16100(ALL)03/95]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few
minutes. This may overheat the engine, damage
the transaxle, or damage the tires.
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164 %
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[DR16200(ALL)01/95]
High water
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[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR16400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR16500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR16600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
[DR16700(ALL)05/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry. The total weight of your
vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers and
cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over each axle should
never be more than the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[DR16800(ALL)07/93]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left door lock pillar.
*
[DR16900(ALL)01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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165
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[DR17000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
%*
[DR18250(ALL)01/95]
Limiting Your Vehicle's Load
[DR18300(ALL)05/95]
The load you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the tire
information decal.
*
[DR18400(ALL)01/95]
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add
the weights of:
*
[DR18500(ALL)01/95]
q
the driver and passengers
*
[DR18600(ALL)01/95]
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
*
[DR18800(ALL)01/95]
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered
to your dealer
*
[DR18900(ALL)01/95]
If you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/95]
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take
your vehicle to a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
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166
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[DR19300(ALL)01/95]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
*
[DR19500(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR19550(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improper distribution of your vehicle's
load or carrying weight in excess of the
amount shown on the tire decal can cause
rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control.
*
[DR20000(ALL)04/95]
Towing a Trailer
[DR21000(ALL)01/95]
Do not use your vehicle for towing a trailer.
*
[DR22320(ALL)03/91]
Towing Behind Another Vehicle Ð
Recreational Vehicle
*
[DR22350(ALL)02/92]
Towing an automatic transaxle (ATX) equipped
vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
Recreational Vehicle (RV), is not recommended
unless a front wheel dolly or trailer is used. Do
not tow your ATX equipped vehicle with the
front wheels on the ground or transaxle damage
may occur.
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167
*
[DR22355(ALL)09/93]
Towing a manual transaxle (MTX) equipped
vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
Recreational Vehicle (RV), is allowed only if it is
towed forward. The parking brake must be
released, the gearshift must be in Neutral, the
ignition key must be in the ACC position, the
battery must be disconnected to eliminate battery
drain, and the steering wheel unlocked. You
may tow your MTX equipped vehicle only in a
forward direction with the front wheels on the
ground without damage to the transaxle.
*
[DR22358(ALL)02/92]
Do not tow your manual transaxle equipped
vehicle at a speed faster than 55 mph
(88 km/h). The maximum towing distance is
unlimited.
*
[DR22360(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
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169
Roadside Emergencies
*
[RE00400(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
[RE00650(ALL)05/91]
Your vehicle has a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. Your vehicle's battery may die if you
leave the lights on or any electrical equipment
on after you turn the engine off. If this happens,
you may be able to jump-start from a booster
battery to start your vehicle.
*
[RE00700(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00800(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00900(ALL)05/95]
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.
%*
[RE01000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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170
*
[RE01010(ALL)06/95]
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.
*
[RE01100(ALL)12/89]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
*
[RE01300(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01500(ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01600(ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
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171
*
[RE01700(ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01800(ALL)03/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Press the DEFROST button. Turn off all
other switches and gauges.
%*
[RE01900(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE02000(ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[RE02100(ALL)04/95]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[RE02200(ALL)05/95]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[RE02300(ALL)04/95]
4. Connect the other end of the second cable to
a good metallic surface on the engine or
frame of the disabled vehicle.
*
[RE02400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
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