Page 187 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 188
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 188
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-186.png)
188
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
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.
[SV14050(ALL)04/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
or 1 (First).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the dipstick (highlighted in yellow)
and carefully pull it out of the engine.
[SV14300(ALL)05/93]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)07/93]
quarter page art:0032227-B
Engine oil dipstick
[SV14500(ALL)02/95]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is at or below the ªLº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some
oil must be removed from the engine.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 188 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 189 [SV14550(ALL)12/93]
NOTE: The distance between the L (low) and
F (full) marks on the dipstick
represents 1.0 liter (1.06 U.S. qts and
0.88 Imp. qts).
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 189 [SV14550(ALL)12/93]
NOTE: The distance between the L (low) and
F (full) marks on the dipstick
represents 1.0 liter (1.06 U.S. qts and
0.88 Imp. qts).
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-187.png)
189 [SV14550(ALL)12/93]
NOTE: The distance between the L (low) and
F (full) marks on the dipstick
represents 1.0 liter (1.06 U.S. qts and
0.88 Imp. qts).
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
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.
*
[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV16400(ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[SV16500(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0060618-C
Oil change intervals
*
[SV16600(ALL)06/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet for additional information.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 189 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 190 [SV17250(ALL)05/95]NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling cente FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 190 [SV17250(ALL)05/95]NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling cente](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-188.png)
190 [SV17250(ALL)05/95]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.
*
[SV17275(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17280(ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500(ALL)02/95]
Checking the engine coolant
[SV17550(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17600(ALL)05/95]
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.
%*
[SV17800(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type,in this
chapter.
[SV18000(ALL)04/89]
q
If the engine is hot, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to the FULL mark,
and the radiator should be full.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 190 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 191 [SV18100(ALL)04/89]
q
If the engine is cold, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to just above the
LOW mark, and the radiator should be full.
[SV18400(ALL)07/93]
one third page art: FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 191 [SV18100(ALL)04/89]
q
If the engine is cold, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to just above the
LOW mark, and the radiator should be full.
[SV18400(ALL)07/93]
one third page art:](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-189.png)
191 [SV18100(ALL)04/89]
q
If the engine is cold, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to just above the
LOW mark, and the radiator should be full.
[SV18400(ALL)07/93]
one third page art:0032226-A
Engine coolant recovery reservoir
*
[SV18500(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18610(ALL)07/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
*
[SV18650(ALL)06/95]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[SV18700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 193 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 194 %
*
[SV20580(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 194 %
*
[SV20580(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-192.png)
194 %
*
[SV20580(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.
*
[SV20600(ALL)03/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A.
*
[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.
*
[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:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 194 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 195
*
[SV21400(ALL)02/95]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[SV21500(ALL)03/95]
When the entire engine cooling system is to be
drained and refilled, use the following
procedure:
*
[SV21600(ALL)01/89]
FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 195
*
[SV21400(ALL)02/95]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[SV21500(ALL)03/95]
When the entire engine cooling system is to be
drained and refilled, use the following
procedure:
*
[SV21600(ALL)01/89]](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-193.png)
195
*
[SV21400(ALL)02/95]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[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)03/94]
5. When you are done, stop the engine and
tighten the cap 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.
[SV22600(ALL)05/93]
To check the washer fluid level, place your
finger over the hole in the reservoir cap and pull
out the dipstick.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 209 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G 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 selec FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G 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 selec](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-208.png)
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.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996
Page 211 of 268
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.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996