1997 FORD ASPIRE steering wheel

110the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
[GF11700(ALL)04/96]Steering Your Vehicle
(If equipped with power steering)
[GF11705(ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle may be equipped with power
steering. Power steering uses energy from the
engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF11710(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF11715(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
[GF11717(ALL)04/96]Transaxle Operation
*
[GF11720(ALL)01/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type oftransaxleyour
vehicle has. You may be familiar with the term
ªtransmission.º We usetransaxlebecause it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have
front-wheel drive.
[GF11725(ALL)04/96]
Your vehicle has one of two types of transaxles:
[GF11735(ALL)01/96]
q
an automatic three-speed
[GF11736(ALL)02/96]
q
a manual five-speed
File:09icgff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:55 1997

119
%*
[GF40000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing
[GF40100(ALL)04/96]
Do not use your vehicle for towing a trailer.
*
[GF40200(ALL)01/96]
Towing Behind Another Vehicle Ð
Recreational Vehicle
*
[GF40300(ALL)01/96]
Towing an automatic transaxle (ATX) equipped
vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
Recreational Vehicle (RV), is not recommended
unless a front wheel dolly or trailer is used. Do
not tow your ATX equipped vehicle with the
front wheels on the ground or transaxle damage
may occur.
*
[GF40400(ALL)01/96]
Towing a manual transaxle (MTX) equipped
vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
Recreational Vehicle (RV), is allowed only if it is
towed forward. The parking brake must be
released, the gearshift must be in Neutral, the
ignition key must be in the ACC position, the
battery must be disconnected to eliminate battery
drain, and the steering wheel unlocked. You
may tow your MTX equipped vehicle only in a
forward direction with the front wheels on the
ground without damage to the transaxle.
File:09icgff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:55 1997

130 [ER03175(ALL)04/96]
twelve pica chart:0032119-B
%*
[ER03800(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03900(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER04000(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[ER04100(ALL)02/96]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare
tire. This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use only. Use it
only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with
the words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that
you can easily identify it.
*
[ER04200(ALL)02/96]
WARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
File:10icerf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:55:59 1997

144 [ER12600(ALL)01/96]When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck oerators. Have your
tow truck driver refer to this manual for the
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your
vehicle.
*
[ER13000(ALL)01/96]
Towing With the Back Wheels Off the
Ground
[ER13150(ALL)01/96]
If it is necessary to tow your vehicle from the
rear (with the rear wheels off the ground), a
dolly must be placed under the front tires to
prevent transaxle damage.
*
[ER13200(ALL)01/96]
Do not use your vehicle's steering column lock
to secure the wheels in a straight-ahead position.
Always use a steering wheel clamping device
designed for towing service.
*
[ER13250(ALL)01/96]
Refer toTowing behind another vehicle
Ðrecreational vehiclein the Index for information
on towing behind an RV.
File:10icerf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:55:59 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

256 Index
Servicing your vehicle.......... 145
precautions when servicing...... 146
servicing when you tow........ 143
Shift positions (see Gearshift).....111, 115
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)........ 63,65
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints)..... 65
Side mirrors............... 51
adjusting................ 52
Snow tires and chains.......... 173
Spare tire................ 130
changing the tire.........130, 133
conventional spare.......... 132
finding the spare........... 132
removing the spare tire........ 132
storing the flat tire........132, 136
temporary spare........... 130
Spark plugs, specifications........ 199
Speedometer............... 18
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 93
starting a cold engine.......... 95
starting after a collision........ 100
starting a warm engine......... 95
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 138
Steering wheel, locking........... 44
Storage compartments........... 54
map pockets.............. 54
Storing your vehicle........... 195
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 14
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 69
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 184
cleaning............... 193
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 33
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 87
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997