1996 FORD PROBE maintenance

239
*
[SV28880(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV28890(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29025(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29100(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29150(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29175(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to
clean with regular detergent, use whitewall tire
cleaner. Follow the directions on the container
and rinse the tires with plenty of clean water.
*
[SV29610(ALL)05/95]
Battery
*
[SV29612(ALL)02/95]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does
not require additional water during its life of
service. The vents are part of the cover and
cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
*
[SV29614(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

240soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[SV29616(ALL)02/95]
Battery replacement
[SV29620(ALL)11/91]
When the original equipment maintenance-free
battery is replaced under warranty, it may be
replaced by a low-maintenance battery.
[SV29625(ALL)03/95]
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water, if necessary.
[SV29630(ALL)04/93]
The electrolyte level should be checked at least
every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore in
temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte level in each cell up to the level
indicator. Do not overfill.
[SV29635(ALL)03/95]
If the level gets low, you can add plain tap
water to the battery, provided the water isn't
hard or doesn't have a high mineral or alkali
content. However, if possible, refill with distilled
water. If the battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked for a possible
problem.
[SV29636(ALL)01/95]
If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to
ªrelearnº its idle condition before your vehicle
will drive properly. To begin this process, put
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
N (Neutral) (manual transaxle), set the
emergency brake, turn off all the accessories, and
start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

242
*
[SV29675(ALL)06/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[SV29690(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
*
[SV29700(ALL)03/01]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29800(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle
is not working properly Ð for instance, the
transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may
notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid
level should be checked.
[SV29900(ALL)01/94]
If you must check the transaxle fluid in an
emergency, make sure that your vehicle is on
level ground, start the engine, and move the
gearshift through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and leave the engine running.
[SV29950(ALL)04/93]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube. Make sure the
dipstick is fully seated in the filler tube;
otherwise, you will not get an accurate reading.
Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

262
*
[SV47800(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV47900(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV48000(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV48100(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV48150(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[SV48200(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule.
*
[SV48300(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.
*
[SV48400(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[SV48500(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
%*
[SV48550(ALL)05/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emission control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those with which your vehicle or engine was
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

263
originally equipped. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft or Ford authorized remanufactured
parts are used for maintenance, replacement, or
for the service of components affecting emission
control, the owner should be assured that such
parts are warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability. Please
consult your warranty information booklet for
complete warranty information.
*
[SV48600(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV48700(ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV48800(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV48810(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

264 %
*
[SV48820(ALL)06/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
Testing
*
[SV48830(ALL)06/95]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies a
ªneed for additional mixed city and highway
driving to complete the checkº of the OBD II
system. As soon as all of the OBD II system
checks are successfully completed, the OBD II
system is set to the ready condition. The amount
of driving required to reach the ready condition
varies with individual driving patterns. To
complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle
defined below. If the vehicle owner cannot or
does not want to do the additional driving
required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
*
[SV48840(ALL)06/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV48845(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order
shown. If any steps are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps.
*
[SV48850(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according
to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

268
*
[SV49500(ALL)05/95]
Motorcraft Parts
[SV49600(ALL)03/94]
fourteen pica chart:0032103-F*
[SV49900(ALL)01/89]
Lubrication Specifications
*
[SV50000(ALL)07/93]
The transaxle and steering systems in your
vehicle are filled at the factory with high-quality,
long-lasting lubricants or fluids that do not
require periodic draining or refilling except
under severe-duty conditions. However, when
refilling or adding is required, it should be with
the proper lubricant or fluid meeting Ford
technical specifications. See theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet for instructions on
maintaining proper fluid levels.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

271
*
[SV50700(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV50800(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV50900(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV51000(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV51100(ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV51200(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV51300(ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[SV51400(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV51500(ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV51600(ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV51700(ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV51800(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[SV51900(ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[SV52000(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV52100(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995