check engine FORD PROBE 1997 2.G User Guide

183
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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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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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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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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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.
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Ford Motor Company recommends that you
perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet. These services
are important for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
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184the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication
that your vehicle may need service. If you do
notice something unusual, see that your vehicle
is serviced promptly.
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Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts that meet Ford Motor
Company specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle. Using these parts
for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built
quality stays in your vehicle.
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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.
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Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
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Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
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RWARNING
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.
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q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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191 %
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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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.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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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.
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2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First)
(manual transaxle).
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3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07300(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032075-A
Engine oil dipstick
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192 [MC07400(ALL)01/96]6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the L line, add engine oil
as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the
letter F, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
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7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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Adding engine oil
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It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
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one third page art:0060618-C
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193
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Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
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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.
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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
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
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Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
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Brake Fluid
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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.
[MC08600(ALL)01/96]
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.
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195
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RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
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Windshield Washer Fluid
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Washer Fluid
[MC09800(ALL)01/96]
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.
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half page art:0032082-A
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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197 [MC10660(ALL)05/96]
one inch art:0032038-B
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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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RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
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If you must remove the coolant recovery cap,
follow these steps to avoid personal injury
caused by escaping steam or engine coolant:
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1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool.
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2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly,
counterclockwise to the first stop.
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3. Step back while the pressure releases.
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199 [MC10960(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 each month.
[MC10980(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
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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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Checking Hoses
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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.
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Power Steering Fluid
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Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
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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.
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200
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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.
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3. Turn the engine off and check the level on
the power steering reservoir.
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one third page art:0032043-A
Where to check for power steering fluid
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4. Remove the dipstick to read the power
steering fluid level. If the power steering
fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level, until you
reach the HIGH line. Do not overfill. To find
out how much fluid your vehicle's power
steering fluid reservoir will hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC17800(ALL)01/96]
5. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
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If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
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If you must check the power steering fluid
before it reaches normal operating temperature,
make sure that the fluid reaches the ªLº (LOW)
line range in the reservoir. The reading will only
be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
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201
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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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.
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC18500(ALL)01/96]
The fluid level must be above the lower mark. If
it is not, you should not drive your vehicle until
more fluid is added. Ideally, the fluid level
should be within the specified area of the
dipstick.
[MC18600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The fluid level indication on the
dipstick will be different at operating
temperature and room temperature. For
the correct fluid level reading on the
dipstick, follow the appropriate
instructions.
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