1996 FORD ASPIRE Owners Manual

210 [SV29850(ALL)02/95]Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29900(ALL)02/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
[SV29925(ALL)03/94]
Pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end
clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube
and make sure it is fully seated; otherwise, you
will not get an accurate reading. Pull the
dipstick out and read the fluid level.
[SV29950(ALL)03/94]
one third page art:0032228-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
[SV30000(ALL)05/93]
The fluid level must be above the ªLº 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.
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211
*
[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.
[SV30475(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.
*
[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.
[SV30700(ALL)01/89]
Checking manual transaxle oil level
[SV30800(ALL)01/89]
1. Remove the speedometer cable and driven
gear from the transaxle case.
[SV30900(ALL)01/89]
2. Wipe the gear clean and reinsert it.
[SV31100(ALL)02/92]
3. Pull it out again. The oil level should be
between the F and L marks, as indicated in
the illustration.
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212 [SV31300(ALL)08/91]
half page art:0030228-BChecking manual transaxle oil level
%*
[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.
*
[SV31600(ALL)03/95]
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)09/93]
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. (See
Your Engine Typeearlier in this chapter to locate
the master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at
or near the MAX mark.
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213
*
[SV31850(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV31860(ALL)07/95]
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.
[SV31900(ALL)08/91]
one third page art:0030229-A
Brake fluid level
[SV32100(ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the cap from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to
the MAX line with Ford High Performance DOT
3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA, C6AZ-19542-BA,
or equivalent DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV32400(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[SV32500(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[SV32600(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
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214
*
[SV32700(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
*
[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)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
[SV33400(ALL)07/93]
4. Check the fluid level on the reservoir. The
fluid level should be at the F (Full) line on
the reservoir.
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215 [SV33500(ALL)07/93]
one third page art:0032225-B
Where to check the power steering fluid
[SV33600(ALL)07/93]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the F (Full) line. Do
not overfill.
*
[SV34000(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV34200(ALL)01/94]
If you must check the power steering fluid
before it reaches normal operating temperature,
make sure that the fluid reaches the ªLº (or
LOW) line range in the reservoir. The reading
will only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
[SV34300(ALL)07/95]Fuses
[SV34400(ALL)07/93]
Fuses protect your vehicle's electrical system
from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have
been overloaded and blown a fuse. Before you
replace or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate circuit protectors.
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216 [SV34500(ALL)07/93]The following charts tell you which fuses protect
each electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse
blows, all the parts of your car that use the
circuit will not work.
[SV34600(ALL)02/95]
Once you have determined which fuses to check,
follow the procedures underChecking and
replacing fuseslater in this chapter.
[SV35370(ALL)09/93]
Your Aspire has a main fuse block under the
hood and a regular fuse box mounted in the
instrument panel behind a cover.
[SV35390(ALL)05/93]
Main fuse block
[SV35420(ALL)03/94]
If the 80 Amp. fuse is blown, it must be
replaced. To remove the main fuse block and
replace the fuse:
[SV35430(ALL)07/95]
one third page art:0032220-B
Main fuse block location
[SV35440(ALL)05/93]
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
[SV35460(ALL)05/93]
2. Remove the nuts on either end.
[SV35480(ALL)05/93]
3. Lift the fuse block and open the flaps on the
side of the fuse block.
[SV35520(ALL)05/93]
4. Remove the bolts on either side of the block.
[SV35540(ALL)05/93]
5. Replace the fuse with a new one of the same
rating.
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217 [SV35550(ALL)07/93]
one third page art:0032234-B
Removing fuse block
[SV35560(ALL)05/93]
To install the fuse block:
[SV35580(ALL)05/93]
1. Place the fuse block cover back in position
and fasten the bolts on both sides.
[SV35620(ALL)05/93]
2. Attach the nuts on both ends of the fuse
block.
[SV35640(ALL)05/93]
3. Connect the negative battery cable.
[SV35680(ALL)07/93]
quarter page art:0032229-A
Main fuse block
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