Page 172 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 173
Servicing Your Aspire
*
[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00500(ALL)01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 173
Servicing Your Aspire
*
[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00500(ALL)01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-171.png)
173
Servicing Your Aspire
*
[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00500(ALL)01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[SV00600(ALL)01/95]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
q
When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
*
[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV00925(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
[SV00930(ALL)02/95]
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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        Page 173 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 174
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[SV01000(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 174
*
[SV01000(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-172.png)
174
*
[SV01000(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
theOwner 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.
*
[SV01100(ALL)09/93]
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.
[SV01200(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.
*
[SV01600(ALL)06/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[SV01700(ALL)06/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[SV01800(ALL)03/95]
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.
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        Page 174 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 175
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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.
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 175
*
[SV01850(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.
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-173.png)
175
*
[SV01850(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.
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
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.
*
[SV02000(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)06/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported by a jack only. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200(ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
[SV02750(ALL)02/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) gear
(manual transaxle).
*
[SV02800(ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV02850(ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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        Page 175 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 176
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Working with the engine on:
*
[SV03000(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral  FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 176
*
[SV02900(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV03000(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-174.png)
176
*
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Working with the engine on:
*
[SV03000(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
*
[SV03050(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03200(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
*
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Opening the Hood
%*
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1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[SV03600(ALL)02/95]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
[SV03700(ALL)03/93]
3. Lift the hood and set the prop rod in the
hole in the hood.
*
[SV03800(ALL)11/90]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop
rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches
securely.
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        Page 176 of 268
177 [SV04200(ALL)07/93]
half page art:0032215-B
Hood release handle, hood latch and prop rod
[SV04500(ALL)05/93]
Your Engine Type
[SV05200(ALL)09/93]
Your vehicle has a 1.3L (81 CID), fuel injected,
overhead cam, four-cylinder engine.
[SV05300(ALL)02/92]
The following page shows you a diagram of the
engine and where to find items you should
regularly service.
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        Page 177 of 268
178 [SV05600(ALL)07/95]
full page art:0032216-CThe 1.3L engine
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        Page 178 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 179 %
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Cleaning the Engine
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A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator,  FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 179 %
*
[SV05650(ALL)07/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05700(ALL)07/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator,](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-177.png)
179 %
*
[SV05650(ALL)07/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV05700(ALL)07/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the
engine warmer than normal.
*
[SV05750(ALL)07/95]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV05800(ALL)07/95]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[SV05850(ALL)07/95]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[SV05900(ALL)07/95]
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%
*
[SV06100(ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06400(ALL)05/93]
Your fuel hatch door is located on the driver's
side. To open the fuel door, simply pull the
hatch open.
[SV06500(ALL)07/95]
one third page art:0032224-B
Fuel hatch and fuel cap
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        Page 179 of 268
![FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 180
*
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If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
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RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in  FORD ASPIRE 1996 1.G Owners Manual 180
*
[SV07540(ALL)07/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[SV07550(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in](/manual-img/11/4753/w960_4753-178.png)
180
*
[SV07540(ALL)07/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[SV07550(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[SV07560(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[SV07575(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[SV07576(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[SV07577(ALL)05/95]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[SV07578(ALL)05/95]
q
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
Service stations sometimes sell winter grade
fuel in the summer.
*
[SV07579(ALL)05/95]
q
extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[SV07580(ALL)05/95]
q
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for
extended periods on extremely hot days.
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