1997 FORD ASPIRE engine coolant

17 %
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[IS06400(ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
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[IS06500(ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS06600(ALL)04/96]
The pointer normally moves from C (cold) into
the normal band as your vehicle warms up.
Under most driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the normal band. If you are
driving in heavy traffic or on an extended grade
in hot weather, the pointer may reach to the top
of the normal band.
*
[IS06700(ALL)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the normal band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[IS06800(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
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[IS06900(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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[IS07000(ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
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[IS07100(ALL)01/96]
3. Let the engine cool.
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[IS07200(ALL)01/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine. (SeeEngine coolantin the
Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS07300(ALL)04/96]
5. Refer toAdding Engine Coolantin the
Maintenance and Carechapter. Add as much
coolant as your engine needs. If the engine
continues to overheat, have the cooling
system serviced.
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97
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[TO08500(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
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.
%*
[TO08600(ALL)01/96]
Using the Engine Block Heater
(If equipped)
*
[TO08610(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO08620(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO08650(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO08670(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[TO08700(ALL)04/96]
Shift-lock System (If equipped)
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[TO08800(ALL)04/96]
For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a
shift-lock system, which prevents shifting the
transaxle out of the P (Park) position without
depressing the brake pedal when the ignition
key is in the ON position.
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154
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[MC17300(ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC17302(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%
*
[MC17307(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
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[MC17308(ALL)02/96]
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.
[MC17312(ALL)02/97]
page art:0032217-D
Front windshield washer fluid reservoir
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[MC17314(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
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155 %
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[MC17316(ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC17700(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC17710(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
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[MC17715(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC17720(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
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.
[MC17800(ALL)02/96]
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 Typein the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
[MC18000(ALL)01/96]
q
If the engine is hot, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to the FULL mark,
and the radiator should be full.
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156 [MC18100(ALL)01/96]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.
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032226-A
Engine coolant recovery reservoir
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[MC18500(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
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[MC18600(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC18610(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
[MC18650(ALL)04/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in
an emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
[MC18660(ALL)04/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
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157
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[MC18700(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
*
[MC18800(ALL)05/96]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap,
follow these steps to avoid personal injury
caused by escaping steam or engine coolant:
*
[MC18820(ALL)05/96]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool.
*
[MC18830(ALL)05/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly,
counterclockwise to the first stop.
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[MC18840(ALL)05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC18850(ALL)05/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove
it.
[MC18900(ALL)05/96]
UseFord Premium Engine Coolant
E2FZ-19549-AA(in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals and rubber
elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
[MC19000(ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system.The use of an
improper coolant may void the warranty of
your vehicle's engine cooling system.
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158
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[MC20575(ALL)05/96]
Recycled Engine Coolant
*
[MC20580(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford
and Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce
coolant which meets Ford specification
ESE-M97B44-A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
*
[MC20590(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC20600(ALL)05/96]
Coolant Refill Capacity
*
[MC20650(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, seeRefill capacities for
fluidsin the Index.
[MC20700(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
*
[MC20710(ALL)05/96]
Severe Winter Climate
*
[MC20720(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
S34ÊF [S36ÊC]), it may be necessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

159 %
*
[MC21200(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[MC21300(ALL)05/96]
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.
%*
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC22200(ALL)04/96]
Check all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in themaintenance
schedule. Repair or replace with Motorcraft hoses
or equivalent as necessary.
%
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC23200(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC23300(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
normal operating temperature range.
*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC23500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997