check engine FORD PROBE 1996 2.G Owner's Manual

226 %
*
[SV20600(ALL)01/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an
equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol
or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant,
the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will
corrode.
*
[SV20700(ALL)04/93]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep an engine coolant in your
engine that has a protection rating of at least
-20ÊF (-29ÊC), orwhatever protection rating is
appropriate for the climate in which you live.
*
[SV20800(ALL)03/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
*
[SV20900(ALL)02/95]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture as soon as possible.
*
[SV21000(ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
*
[SV21200(ALL)05/95]
Engine coolant drain and flush
*
[SV21300(ALL)05/94]
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.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

227 [SV21450(ALL)05/95]
Refilling the engine coolant Ð 2.0L engine
*
[SV21500(ALL)03/95]
When the entire engine cooling system is to be
drained and refilled, use the following
procedure:
*
[SV21600(ALL)01/89]
1. Remove the radiator cap.
*
[SV21700(ALL)06/89]
2. With the engine off and cool, add a 50/50
mixture of recommended engine cooling
system fluid and water until the radiator is
full.
*
[SV21800(ALL)07/93]
3. Replace and fully tighten the radiator cap,
then unscrew the cap to the first stop.
*
[SV21900(ALL)06/89]
4. Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and engine coolant is
flowing through the entire system).
[SV22000(ALL)04/95]
5. Shut the engine off and check the fluid level
in the radiator. Add more fluid if necessary.
[SV22005(ALL)03/94]
6. When the radiator is filled to the proper
level, replace the coolant system cap and
tighten both caps completely.
[SV22010(ALL)01/92]
Refilling the engine coolant Ð 2.5L engine
[SV22015(ALL)04/95]
When the entire cooling system is to be drained
and refilled, use the following procedure:
[SV22020(ALL)04/93]
1. Locate the radiator breather cap and the
coolant system cap in your engine
compartment. The cap on your right
(driver's side) is the radiator breather cap.
The cap on your left (passenger's side) is the
coolant system cap.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

229 [SV22035(ALL)02/92]
4. Replace the radiator breather cap and the
coolant system cap and tighten to the first
stop.
[SV22050(ALL)02/92]
5. Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm. The warm hose
indicates the thermostat is open and the
engine coolant is flowing through the entire
system.
[SV22060(ALL)02/92]
6. Shut the engine off and check the fluid level
in the radiator through the coolant system
cap opening. Add more fluid if necessary.
[SV22070(ALL)02/92]
7. When the radiator is filled to the proper
level, replace the coolant system cap and
tighten both caps completely.
%*
[SV22100(ALL)11/94]
Checking hoses
*
[SV22200(ALL)01/89]
Check all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in the
maintenance schedule. Repair or replace with
Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
%
*
[SV22300(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
*
[SV22350(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment. Visual inspection can
determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do
not operate the washer when the reservoir is
empty.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

240soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[SV29616(ALL)02/95]
Battery replacement
[SV29620(ALL)11/91]
When the original equipment maintenance-free
battery is replaced under warranty, it may be
replaced by a low-maintenance battery.
[SV29625(ALL)03/95]
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water, if necessary.
[SV29630(ALL)04/93]
The electrolyte level should be checked at least
every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore in
temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte level in each cell up to the level
indicator. Do not overfill.
[SV29635(ALL)03/95]
If the level gets low, you can add plain tap
water to the battery, provided the water isn't
hard or doesn't have a high mineral or alkali
content. However, if possible, refill with distilled
water. If the battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked for a possible
problem.
[SV29636(ALL)01/95]
If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to
ªrelearnº its idle condition before your vehicle
will drive properly. To begin this process, put
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
N (Neutral) (manual transaxle), set the
emergency brake, turn off all the accessories, and
start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

242
*
[SV29675(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.
%*
[SV29690(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.
*
[SV29700(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29800(ALL)03/95]
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 Schedule and Recordbooklet 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.
[SV29900(ALL)01/94]
If you must check the transaxle fluid in an
emergency, make sure that your vehicle is on
level ground, start the engine, and move the
gearshift through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and leave the engine running.
[SV29950(ALL)04/93]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube. Make sure the
dipstick is fully seated in the filler tube;
otherwise, you will not get an accurate reading.
Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

244 [SV30350(ALL)06/93]
one third page art:0032151-BAutomatic transaxle fluid dipstick on 2.0L engine vehicles
*
[SV30400(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV30500(ALL)01/89]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV30600(ALL)08/91]
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.
%*
[SV31350(ALL)04/95]
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.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

245 [SV31400(ALL)02/95]
Constant Velocity Joints
[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
Inspect all rubber boots for signs of cracks, tears,
or splits. Inspect underneath of your car for any
indication of grease splatter in the areas of
constant velocity joint boots, outboard and
inboard locations; grease splatter is an indication
of boot and/or clamp damage.
*
[SV31600(ALL)02/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV31700(ALL)03/95]
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.
[SV31800(ALL)04/93]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic reservoir on the master cylinder. (SeeThe
Engine Typesearlier in this chapter to locate the
master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at or
near the MAX mark.
*
[SV31850(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV31860(ALL)06/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

247
*
[SV32800(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV32900(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[SV33000(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV33100(ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[SV33200(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV33300(ALL)01/95]
3. Turn the engine off and check the level on
the power steering reservoir.
[SV33550(ALL)08/91]
one third page art:0032043-A
Where to check for power steering fluid
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

262
*
[SV47800(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV47900(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV48000(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV48100(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV48150(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[SV48200(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule.
*
[SV48300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
*
[SV48400(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[SV48500(ALL)01/95]
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.
%*
[SV48550(ALL)05/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emission 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 with which your vehicle or engine was
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

272 %
*
[SV52200(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV52300(ALL)01/95]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[SV52400(ALL)01/95]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[SV52500(ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
%*
[SV52600(ALL)07/94]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[SV52800(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV52900(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV53000(ALL)01/95]
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.
%*
[SV53100(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV53200(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV53300(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV53400(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV53500(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995