1997 FORD ASPIRE engine

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.
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[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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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:51:24 1997

39 [CF08400(ALL)01/96]
Defrosting the windshield
[CF08450(ALL)01/96]
You can clear a fogged windshield more quickly
by pushing the A/C button to the ON position
after completing steps 1 through 3 of the
Defrosting the Windshield and Side Windows. After
the windshield is clear, push the A/C button off.
[CF09000(ALL)04/96]
Tips for better fuel economy
[CF09100(ALL)01/96]
On mild days, ventilate with outside air. You
will get better fuel economy without using the
air conditioning.
[CF09200(ALL)01/96]
On hot days, close the air doorMwhen using
the air conditioner. The air conditioner works
harder to cool outside air than recirculated air.
[CF13100(ALL)04/96]
Air conditioning operation
[CF13250(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has been parked with the
windows closed during hot weather, drive for a
few minutes with the windows open and the air
conditioner on. This forces most of the warm air
out of the vehicle.
*
[CF13600(ALL)01/96]
Sometimes you may notice slight engine surging
if you have the air conditioner on. This is
normal, as the system is designed to cycle the
compressor on and off to maintain desired
cooling. The reduced compressor operation
should benefit fuel economy.
*
[CF13700(ALL)01/96]
On some vehicles with air conditioning,
wide-open throttle acceleration will temporarily
cut off the air conditioning.
*
[CF13800(ALL)01/96]
Since the air conditioner removes a lot of
moisture from the air during operation, it is
normal for water to drip on the pavement under
the air conditioner drain after you have stopped
the vehicle.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:52:57 1997

40
*
[CF13850(ALL)01/96]
Engine Idle Speed Control System
*
[CF13875(ALL)01/96]
Genuine Ford air conditioning (either
factory-installed or dealer-installed) has an
engine idle speed control system that
compensates for engine speed loss that may
occur when the air conditioning compressor is
running. This idle speed control holds the engine
idle essentially constant, regardless of whether
the air conditioning system is on or off.
[CF13885(ALL)01/96]
If an aftermarket air conditioner is installed, an
engine idle speed control system must be
installed. Otherwise, the engine may not operate
satisfactorily at idle speed and low engine speed,
or the engine may stall.
*
[CF13900(ALL)01/96]
Rear Window Defroster (If equipped)
[CF14150(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0032170-A
Rear window defroster switch
*
[CF14250(ALL)03/96]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.
[CF14700(ALL)01/96]
To operate the defroster, push theV(defroster)
switch on the instrument panel to the right of
the steering wheel. The indicator light on the
instrument cluster comes on. When the window
is clear, push the defroster switch again to turn
it off.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:52:57 1997

42 [CF22800(ALL)01/96]q
ON-light is always on in this position
[CF22900(ALL)04/96]
one third page art:0032280-B
Interior courtesy lamp
[CF22950(ALL)01/96]
Do not leave the dome light on for long periods
of time when the engine is not running, or the
battery may discharge.
*
[CF24200(ALL)01/96]
Radio
*
[CF24300(ALL)01/96]
For information about the radio in your vehicle,
refer to theElectronic Sound Systemschapter in
this Owner Guide.
%*
[CF24320(ALL)03/96]
Radio Antenna
[CF24340(ALL)01/96]
The radio antenna is mounted near the top of
the windshield on the driver's side of the
vehicle. The antenna can be extended by pulling
it upward away from its base. To retract the
antenna, push it in toward its base.
[CF24360(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: To receive the best reception, the
antenna must be fully extended. If the
antenna is not fully extended, the
result may be weak or noisy radio
reception.
File:05iccff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:52:57 1997

45
*
[CF30620(ALL)01/96]
If your key is stuck in the LOCK position and
will not turn, move your steering wheel left or
right until the key turns freely.
[CF30630(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, you must
push the key toward the steering column to
rotate the switch to the LOCK position.
*
[CF30650(ALL)01/96]
ACC (accessory) allows some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.
*
[CF30660(ALL)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
*
[CF30680(ALL)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
%
*
[CF32000(ALL)01/96]
Hazard Flasher Switch
[CF32100(ALL)02/96]
The hazard flasher switch is located on the top
of the steering column. For more information,
refer toHazard Flasherin theRoadside Emergencies
chapter.
%
*
[CF34000(ALL)02/96]
The Turn Signal Lever
*
[CF35000(ALL)02/96]
You can use the turn signal lever on the left side
of the steering column to:
*
[CF35020(ALL)02/96]
q
operate the headlamps and parking lamps
*
[CF35030(ALL)02/96]
q
operate the turn signals and cornering lamps
*
[CF35050(ALL)03/96]
q
turn the high beams on/off
*
[CF35060(ALL)03/96]
q
flash the lamps
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:52:57 1997

93
Starting
%*
[TO04100(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO04200(ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
*
[TO04500(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO05000(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO05100(ALL)02/96]
WARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO05200(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO05300(ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[TO05400(ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
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94
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[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
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.)
*
[TO05800(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO06000(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO06100(ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO06300(ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO06320(ALL)01/96]
2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn
the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO06330(ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO06340(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO06400(ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:32 1997

95 %
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[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO06810(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO06820(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[TO06830(ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO06840(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[TO06843(ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO06845(ALL)01/96]
After starting, allow the engine to idle for a few
seconds before driving away.
*
[TO06847(ALL)03/96]
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.
File:08ictof.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:32 1997