1996 FORD ASPIRE Owners Manual

47
*
[ST04500(ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[ST05000(ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[ST05100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST05200(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST05300(ALL)07/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST05400(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[ST05500(ALL)02/92]
3.If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
*
[ST05600(ALL)07/93]
If you have a manual transaxle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully set, push the
clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key.(Remember, the starter will operate
only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the
way to the floor.)
*
[ST05800(ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

48 [ST05850(ALL)07/95]To test the brake warning light, release the
parking brake and turn the ignition key to the
START position. The brake warning light should
illuminate until the key is released. See the
Warning Lights and Gaugeschapter for additional
information.
[ST05900(ALL)07/95]
After starting the engine, check all the warning
lights to make sure that they are off. If any one
of them is still lit, it indicates a situation that
needs your attention. When you release the
parking brake, the brake warning light should
go off.
*
[ST06000(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST06100(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST06300(ALL)03/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleand underTesting the Warning
Lightsat the beginning of this section.
*
[ST06320(ALL)03/95]
2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn
the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[ST06330(ALL)06/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[ST06340(ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[ST06400(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

49 %
*
[ST06800(ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
*
[ST06810(ALL)06/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[ST06820(ALL)04/95]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
%*
[ST06830(ALL)05/95]
For a warm engine:
*
[ST06840(ALL)04/95]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[ST06843(ALL)07/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[ST06845(ALL)05/95]
After starting, allow the engine to idle for a few
seconds before driving away.
*
[ST06847(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: Automatic transaxle equipped vehicles
have an interlock that prevents you
from shifting out of P (Park) unless
your foot is on the brake pedal.
%*
[ST06860(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST06865(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST06870(ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

50
*
[ST06875(ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST06880(ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST06885(ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST06890(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
*
[ST08350(ALL)10/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[ST08365(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST08375(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST08500(ALL)05/95]
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.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

51 %
*
[ST08700(ALL)06/95]
Using the Engine Block Heater
(If equipped)
*
[ST08900(ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST09100(ALL)02/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[ST09200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[ST09300(ALL)03/95]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[ST09400(ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[ST09450(ALL)07/95]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[ST09460(ALL)10/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
major jolt.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

52
*
[ST09470(ALL)03/95]
Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle.
[ST09480(ALL)02/95]
The reset switch on your vehicle is located in a
small compartment on the left side of the
luggage compartment.
[ST09490(ALL)02/95]
half page art:0032161-C
The location of the fuel pump shut-off switch (U.S. vehicle
shown Ð Canadian vehicles similar)
*
[ST09500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

53
*
[ST09510(ALL)10/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or major jolt:
*
[ST09520(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the key in the ignition to the LOCK
position.
*
[ST09530(ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
[ST09540(ALL)02/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, remove the
door covering the fuel pump shut-off switch
compartment by pressing the tab toward the
rear seat. Push down the red reset button on
the fuel pump shut-off switch.
*
[ST09550(ALL)02/95]
4. Attempt to start your vehicle. If the vehicle
starts, let it run a few seconds, then turn the
key to the LOCK position.
*
[ST09560(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST09600(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
%*
[ST11700(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST11800(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996

54
*
[ST12000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
*
[ST12100(ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST12200(ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST12300(ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST12400(ALL)01/95]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[ST12500(ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[ST12600(ALL)02/95]
If you must allow your engine to idle for long
periods of time, be sure you are in an open area
and open the windows at least one inch
(25 mm). Also, adjust the heating or air
conditioning to bring in outside air.
[ST12700(ALL)02/95]
If you are using the heater, set the fan speed on
1, 2, or 3 with the function lever on the position
of your choice and the air door control lever in
the fresh (outside air) position.
[ST12900(ALL)02/95]
If you are using the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on 1, 2, or 3 with the function lever in the
position of your choice. Set the air door control
lever in the fresh (outside air) position.
File:04icstf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:41 1996