1997 FORD ASPIRE oil

162 [MC29560(ALL)01/96]The fluid level must be above the ªLº mark. If it
is not, you should not drive your vehicle until
more fluid is added. Ideally, the fluid level
should be within the specified area of the
dipstick.
*
[MC29565(ALL)01/96]
If you must add transaxle fluid in an emergency,
use only MERCONHfluid, such as Motorcraft
MERCONHMulti-Purpose ATF. Add the fluid in
1/2-pint increments until you raise the fluid
level to within the crosshatched area on the
dipstick. Never overfill the transaxle. If the fluid
level gets too high, remove the excess fluid as
soon as possible; otherwise, you could damage
the transaxle.
%*
[MC29570(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.
*
[MC29575(ALL)01/96]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC29580(ALL)01/96]
The lubricant level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal use. However, you
should periodically have your Ford Dealer check
the fluid level during regular oil changes.
%
*
[MC29611(ALL)01/97]
Battery
*
[MC29612(ALL)02/97]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
normally does not require additional water
during its life of service. However, for severe
service usage or in high temperature climates,
check your battery electrolyte level, at least
every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km).
Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the
ªlevelº indicator. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

164 %
*
[MC29635(ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC29640(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC29645(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
*
[MC29650(ALL)02/96]
WARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[MC29660(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[MC29665(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC29670(ALL)02/96]
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.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

182
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

185 %
*
[MC61100(ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC61200(ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC61300(ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[MC61400(ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
%*
[MC61500(ALL)01/96]
Headlamp Bulb
*
[MC61600(ALL)03/96]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable
bulbs. When the lamp burns out, simply replace
the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.
*
[MC61700(ALL)01/97]
WARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to break the
next time the headlamps are operated.
*
[MC61800(ALL)01/97]
Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you
can immediately replace it with a new one. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the headlamp housing
and affect its performance.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

193 %
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC71500(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC71600(ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC71620(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC71630(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[MC71640(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%*
[MC71700(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
[MC71800(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaner to clean the lamps, as they
may cause scratches or crack the lights.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

196
*
[MC80700(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC80800(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC80900(ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[MC81000(ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[MC81100(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC81200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC81300(ALL)09/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC81400(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

Index 247
D
Daytime running light system....... 46
Defects, reporting............ 209
Dipstick................ 150
automatic transaxle fluid....... 161
engine oil.............. 150
power steering fluid......... 159
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 143
Doors.................. 53
Driving under special conditions
heavy load.............. 118
towing a trailer............ 119
E
Electrical system, fuses.......122, 128
Electronic radio with cassette (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 42
atenna................. 42
radio reception............. 27
tuning the radio............ 21
warranty and service information.... 30
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 21
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 211
battery acid spills.........139, 165
fuel................. 178
jump-starting............. 138
towing................ 143
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 108
Emission control system......... 181
catalytic converter.......... 181
emissions warranty......... 3,181
Engine
check engine warning light....... 13
does not start........... 96,100
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997