service FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owner's Manual

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

183
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*
[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.
*
[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)03/96]
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
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

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.
*
[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC01150(ALL)05/96]
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.
%
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01850(ALL)05/96]
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.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

203
*
[MC18900(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC18950(ALL)01/96]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC19000(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC19100(ALL)05/96]
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.
[MC19200(ALL)01/96]
Constant Velocity Joints
[MC19300(ALL)01/96]
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.
%
*
[MC19500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC19600(ALL)01/96]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does
not require additional water during its life of
service. The vents are part of the cover and
cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

213
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
*
[MC28499(ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28500(ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
*
[MC28550(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straightahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC28699(ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC28700(ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

215
*
[MC28860(ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC28870(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC28880(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[MC28890(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[MC29025(ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC30000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC30050(ALL)03/96]
Fuel filler door release lever
[MC30100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filler door
release. To open the fuel filler door, pull up on
the release lever which is located in front of the
driver's seat and near the door.
[MC30200(ALL)01/96]
Remote Fuel Filler-Lid Release Override
[MC30300(ALL)01/96]
If the release does not operate, open the
hatchback, remove the trim on the left rear side,
reach into the opening and pull the latch toward
the rear (see the service manual for trim
removal). You should wear gloves to protect
your hands from any sharp edges when you use
the fuel filler-lid release override.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

218refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
[MC31800(ALL)03/96]
Octane Recommendations
[MC31900(ALL)03/96]
Your 2.0L engine is designed to use regular
gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend gasolines labeled as
ªregularº in high altitude areas that are sold
with octane ratings of 86 or even less.
[MC32000(ALL)03/96]
Your 2.5L engine is designed to use premium
gasoline for optimum performance with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or higher. Gasolines
with lower octane ratings can be used, but
performance may decrease. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªpremiumº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings less than 91.
*
[MC32100(ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
*
[MC32200(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Quality
*
[MC32300(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[MC32400(ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

222
*
[MC37000(ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC37100(ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC37200(ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC37300(ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
[MC38000(ALL)01/96]
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
[MC38100(ALL)01/96]
Whenever service to the air conditioning system
is required, make sure the service facility uses a
refrigerant recycling system. These systems will
capture the refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
certain refrigerants into the atmosphere can
damage our environment.
%
*
[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC38400(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

223
*
[MC38500(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC38600(ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC38700(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[MC38950(ALL)03/96]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule.
*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC39200(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC39300(ALL)01/96]
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
originally equipped.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

224
*
[MC39400(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC39500(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC39600(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC39700(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC39800(ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC39900(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II
system.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996