1996 FORD ASPIRE maintenance

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[IN01050(ALL)05/95]
Finding Information in This Guide
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[IN01060(ALL)06/95]
After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the Quick Index, Table of Contents, or the
Index.
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[IN01070(ALL)05/95]
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.
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[IN01080(ALL)05/95]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.
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[IN01090(ALL)05/95]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
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[IN01100(ALL)06/95]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.
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[IN02400(ALL)04/95]
Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record Booklet
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[IN02500(ALL)03/95]
TheMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.
File:02icinf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:28:18 1996

16
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[SR09470(ALL)07/95]
NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder
belt is unbuckled and allowed to
retract completely, the retractor will
switch to the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode. See the
detailed instructions underSafety Seats
for Childrenin this chapter.
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[SR09475(ALL)07/95]
Safety Belt Extension Assembly
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[SR09478(ALL)07/95]
For some people, the safety belt may be too
short even when it is fully extended. You can
add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length
with a safety belt extension assembly (part
number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are
available at no cost from your dealer.
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[SR09482(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.
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[SR09484(ALL)07/95]
Safety Belt Maintenance
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[SR09486(ALL)07/95]
Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.
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[SR09488(ALL)07/95]
All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.
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Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:01 1996

24 %
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[SR13500(ALL)05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.
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[SR13700(ALL)06/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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or it will not light immediately after ignition
is turned on,
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or a group of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
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[SR14100(ALL)07/95]
If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.
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[SR14400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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[SR15225(ALL)05/95]
Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles
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[SR15240(ALL)06/95]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bagsMUSTbe disposed of by
qualified personnel.
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Update:Wed Jan 24 14:30:01 1996

154
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How to use Roadside Assistance
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[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
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[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00300(ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
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[HS00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
[HS00475(ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
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[HS00600(ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
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[HS00700(ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
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Update:Wed Jan 24 14:53:26 1996

159
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[HS06306(ALL)04/95]
Ford of Canada does not have a Dispute
Settlement Board. If you have a problem that
cannot be resolved by an agreement among you,
Ford of Canada, and the Ford dealer, contact the
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP). In many areas of Canada, CAMVAP
will help resolve the problem and, if necessary,
will arrange for the matter to be arbitrated.
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[HS06307(ALL)04/95]
What is the Review Process?
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[HS06308(ALL)04/95]
Your application will be reviewed and if it is
determined to be eligible, you will receive an
acknowledgment indicating the file number
assigned to your application and the local Board
address. At the same time, your dealer and Ford
Motor Company representative are asked to
submit statements.
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[HS06309(ALL)04/95]
To review your case properly, the Board needs
the following information:
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[HS06310(ALL)04/95]
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legible copies of all documents and
maintenance or repair orders that relate to
the case
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[HS06311(ALL)07/95]
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the year, make, model, and vehicle
identification number (VIN)
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[HS06312(ALL)04/95]
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the date you bought your vehicle
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the date of repair and the mileage at the time
of repair
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the current mileage
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the name of the dealer who sold you the
vehicle or who serviced your vehicle
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[HS06316(ALL)04/95]
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a brief description of your unresolved
complaint
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[HS06317(ALL)05/95]
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a brief summary of actions that were taken
with the dealer and Ford Motor Company
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Update:Wed Jan 24 14:53:26 1996

173
Servicing Your Aspire
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
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[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
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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.
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[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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Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

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 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.
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[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.
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[SV01600(ALL)06/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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[SV01700(ALL)06/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
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[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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Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996

186 %
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Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates
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[SV12400(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
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[SV12500(ALL)06/95]
Improving Fuel Economy
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Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
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The following decrease fuel economy:
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Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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Excessive speed
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Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
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Driving with your foot on the brake
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Sudden stops
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[SV12725(ALL)05/95]
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Using speed control in hilly terrain
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Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
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Underinflated tires
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Heavy loads
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Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
[SV13550(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more) fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
File:15icsvf.ex
Update:Wed Jan 24 14:56:41 1996