1997 FORD ASPIRE check engine light

145
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
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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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[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
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When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00900(ALL)02/96]
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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 Schedulebooklet.
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[MC00925(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[MC00930(ALL)01/96]
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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[MC01000(ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet 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,
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150
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[MC05650(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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[MC05700(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC05800(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06000(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
or 1 (First).
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[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
[MC06300(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the dipstick (highlighted in yellow)
and carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[MC06400(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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151 [MC06500(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0032227-B
Engine oil dipstick
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is at or below the ªLº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some
oil must be removed from the engine.
[MC06700(ALL)04/96]
NOTE: The distance between the L (low) and
F (full) marks on the dipstick
represents 1.06 qts (1.0 liter).
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[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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[MC06900(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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[MC07000(ALL)09/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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182
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[MC48300(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.
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[MC48400(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC48500(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC48550(ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions 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 which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
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[MC48575(ALL)01/96]
If other than Ford or Motorcraft or Ford
authorized remanufactured parts are used for
maintenance, replacement, or for the service of
components affecting emissions 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.
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183
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[MC48600(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC48700(ALL)08/95]
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.
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[MC48800(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC48900(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC48910(ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
[MC48920(ALL)02/97]
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 your
ªCheck Engineº light is on, reference the ªCheck
Engineº light description under the Warning
Lights and Gauges section. Your vehicle may not
pass an I/M test with the Check Engine light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is
reset to a not ready for for I/M testing
condition. To prepare for I/M testing, additional
mixed city and highway driving to complete the
check of the OBD II system is necessary.
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184
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[MC48950(ALL)07/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
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[MC48960(ALL)03/96]
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20 minutes of driving in stop and go
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
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[MC48970(ALL)03/96]
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10 minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
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[MC48980(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during the above driving modes. If
the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M
requirements by using these driving patterns, an
authorized service center can perform a detailed
OBD II drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
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[MC60000(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
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It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
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headlamps
[MC60300(ALL)01/96]
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high mount brakelamp
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tail lamps
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brakelamps
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[MC60600(ALL)01/96]
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hazard flasher
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[MC60700(ALL)01/96]
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turn signals
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[MC60800(ALL)01/96]
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side markers
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[MC60900(ALL)05/96]
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license plate lamps
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[MC61000(ALL)01/96]
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fog lamps
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Engine
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Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
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With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
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[MC81800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
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[MC81900(ALL)01/96]
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Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
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[MC82000(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[MC82100(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
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[MC82200(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
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Cooling system
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[MC82400(ALL)01/96]
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Protect against freezing temperatures.
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[MC82500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
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[MC82600(ALL)01/96]
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Check and recharge as necessary.
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[MC82700(ALL)01/96]
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Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
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Index 243
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............. 15
Accessory position on the ignition..... 44
Additives, engine oil.......... 149
Air bag supplemental restraint system . 69, 78
and child safety seats........77±78
description............. 69,71
driver air bag........... 69,71
indicator light............. 14
operation............... 71
passenger air bag............ 71
service and information labels.... 71,75
tone generator............. 74
Air cleaner filter, specifications...... 199
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)......... 19,27,42
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 155
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 105
see also Brake............ 105
warning light.............. 15
warninig light............. 9
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 214
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 211
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 19
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 46
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding............. 161
fluid, checking............ 161
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive.... 112
fluid, adding............. 161
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997