steering FORD PROBE 1997 2.G User Guide

138steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type oftransaxleyour
vehicle has. You may be familiar with the term
ªtransmission.º We usetransaxlebecause it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have
front-wheel drive.
[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has one of two types of transaxles:
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
q
a manual five-speed overdrive
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
q
an automatic four-speed overdrive
%
*
[GF04400(ALL)01/96]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transaxle
%*
[GF04500(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04600(ALL)01/96]
The automatic transaxle on your vehicle is an
electrically controlled four speed. The highest
gear is Overdrive. The Overdrive position is
reflected by D in the shift selector indicator.
[GF04700(ALL)01/96]
The automatic transaxle uses the conventional
selector lever, and an Overdrive OFF button. All
normal driving is done with the selector in the
D position.
File:09prgfp.ex
Update:Fri Jan 3 09:33:04 1997

155
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00300(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00400(ALL)01/96]
To alert other drivers to hazardous situations,
press the hazard flasher switch on the top of the
steering column. All the turn signals will flash
on and off at the same time. The flashers will
also operate while the brake pedal is applied. To
turn the flashers off, press the switch again.
*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers will work for up to
two hours when the battery is fully charged and
in good condition. They will not drain the
battery excessively unless they are left on for an
extended period of time.
[ER00600(ALL)01/96]
If the flashers run for longer than 2 hours while
your engine is not running, or if your battery is
not fully charged, your battery could be drained.
File:10prerp.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996

167
*
[ER03300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
[ER03400(ALL)04/96]
To find a fuse's amperage rating, check the
number on the fuse or check the color.
[ER03500(ALL)01/96]
twelve pica chart:0032119-A*
[ER03600(ALL)04/96]
Even after you replace a fuse, it may continue to
blow if you do not find what caused the
overload. If the fuse continues to blow, have
your electrical system checked.
%
*
[ER03800(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03900(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
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Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996

181 [ER16300(ALL)01/96]
two third page art:0032195-A
*
[ER16400(ALL)01/96]
Do not use your vehicle's steering column lock
to secure the wheels in a straight-ahead position.
Always use a steering wheel clamping device
designed for towing service.
*
[ER16500(ALL)01/96]
Refer toTowing behind another vehicle
Ðrecreational vehiclein the Index for information
on towing behind an RV.
File:10prerp.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996

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
*
[MC11000(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.
%*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC16200(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.
%
*
[MC17000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC17100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC17200(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC17300(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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

200
*
[MC17400(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.
*
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off and check the level on
the power steering reservoir.
[MC17600(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032043-A
Where to check for power steering fluid
[MC17700(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC17900(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC18000(ALL)04/96]
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).
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

239
*
[CS30900(ALL)01/96]
Lubrication Specifications
*
[CS40000(ALL)02/96]
The transaxle and steering systems in your
vehicle are filled at the factory with high-quality,
long-lasting lubricants or fluids that do not
require periodic draining or refilling except
under severe-duty conditions. However, when
refilling or adding is required, it should be with
the proper lubricant or fluid meeting Ford
technical specifications. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet for instructions on maintaining
proper fluid levels.
File:12prcsp.ex
Update:Wed Jun 12 10:24:58 1996

Index 279
D
Daytime running light system....... 63
Defects, reporting............ 243
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid....... 201
engine oil.............. 191
power steering fluid......... 199
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 179
Doors.................. 76
Driving under special conditions
heavy load.............. 151
towing a trailer............ 153
E
Electrical system, relays......... 165
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 34
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 43
radio reception............. 43
tuning the radio.......... 23,37
warranty and service information.... 46
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 34
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 34
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 245
battery acid spills.........175, 206
fuel................. 219
jump-starting............. 174
towing................ 179
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 134
Emission control system
catalytic converter.......... 222
emissions warranty......... 4,222
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996

286 Index
Oil viscosity.............. 190
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 224
Order forms, service information...... 24
Overseas offices............. 254
P
Parking brake
operation............... 135
warning light.............. 12
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)........ 237
PCV valve, specifications......... 237
Power door locks............. 76
Power features
door locks............... 76
mirrors................. 78
moon roof............... 74
windows................ 77
Power steering
dipstick............... 199
driving with power steering...... 137
fluid, checking and adding....... 199
servicing............... 137
Prop rod, hood............. 186
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 21
Rear window............... 77
washer reservoir........... 195
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 243
Relays................. 165
Remote entry system
replacement/additional transmitters.... 88
replacing the batteries.......... 87
Reporting safety defects......... 243
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996

288 Index
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)....... 98
Seats
child safety seats........... 113
cleaning upholstery.......... 233
folding rear seats............ 96
head restraints............. 89
rear seat access............. 96
split-folding rear seat.......... 96
Serial number (VIN)........... 252
Service concerns............. 246
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing...... 184
servicing when you tow........ 179
Shift positions (see Gearshift).....138, 148
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)....... 98,100
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).... 100
Side mirrors............... 78
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)..... 74
Snow tires and chains.......... 214
Spare tire
changing the tire.........167, 170
conventional spare.......... 169
finding the spare........... 169
removing the spare tire........ 169
storing the flat tire........169, 171
temporary spare........... 168
Spark plugs, specifications........ 237
Speed control, turning off......... 72
Speedometer............... 19
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 125
starting a cold engine......... 127
starting after a collision........ 130
starting a warm engine........ 127
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 174
Steering, power............. 137
Steering wheel, locking........... 61
Storage compartments........... 80
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996