1997 FORD ASPIRE fuel

117
*
[GF11965(ALL)08/95]
Upshifting
*
[GF11970(ALL)01/96]
Most of the time, you should upshift at the
following speeds:
[GF11975(ALL)01/96]
eighteen pica chart:0030260-F[GF11980(ALL)01/96]
For better fuel economy, shift at these speeds.
%*
[GF11985(ALL)01/96]
Downshifting
*
[GF11990(ALL)03/96]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[GF11995(ALL)01/96]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift
through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use
the brake as necessary. Downshifting through
the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy.
File:09icgff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:55 1997

122
*
[ER02985(ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Starting After a
Collision
*
[ER02990(ALL)02/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[ER02995(ALL)03/96]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
*
[ER03000(ALL)01/96]
Fuses
[ER03005(ALL)01/96]
Fuses protect your vehicle's electrical system
from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have
been overloaded and blown a fuse. Before you
replace or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate circuit protectors.
[ER03010(ALL)04/96]
The following charts tell you which fuses protect
each electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse
blows, all the parts of your vehicle that use the
circuit will not work.
*
[ER03015(ALL)01/96]
Once you have determined which fuses to check,
follow the procedures underChecking and
replacing fuseslater in this chapter.
[ER03020(ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle has a main fuse block under the
hood and a regular fuse box mounted in the
instrument panel behind a cover.
File:10icerf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:55:59 1997

146vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
*
[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC01200(ALL)05/96]
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.
%
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC01850(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.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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147
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02200(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[MC02700(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
[MC02750(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) gear
(manual transaxle).
*
[MC02800(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02850(ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02900(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC03000(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
*
[MC03050(ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC03200(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

149
%*
[MC05000(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05050(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[MC05100(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC05200(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC05300(ALL)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC05350(ALL)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC05600(ALL)03/96]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
File:11icmcf.ex
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150
*
[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.
%*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[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.
%*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[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).
*
[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.
*
[MC06400(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

154
*
[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
*
[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
*
[MC17314(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

165 %
*
[MC29675(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
%*
[MC29690(ALL)02/96]
WARNING
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.
%
*
[MC30100(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC30200(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[MC30300(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[MC30400(ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997