1997 FORD ASPIRE Owners Manual

159 %
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[MC21200(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
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[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.
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[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
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[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.
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[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[MC23100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[MC23200(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC23500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
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160 [MC23600(ALL)01/96]4. Check the fluid level on the reservoir. The
fluid level should be at the F (Full) line on
the reservoir.
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032225-B
Where to check the power steering fluid
[MC23800(ALL)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the F (Full) line. Do
not overfill.
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[MC23900(ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
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[MC23950(ALL)04/96]
If you must check the power steering fluid
before it reaches normal operating temperature,
make sure that the fluid reaches the ªLº (LOW)
line range in the reservoir. The reading will only
be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
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161
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[MC29542(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[MC29544(ALL)02/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for replacement
intervals. However, if the transaxle is not
working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle
may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice
some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level
should be checked.
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[MC29546(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC29548(ALL)04/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
[MC29550(ALL)01/96]
Pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end
clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube
and make sure it is fully seated; otherwise, you
will not get an accurate reading. Pull the
dipstick out and read the fluid level.
[MC29555(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032228-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
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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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC29575(ALL)01/96]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
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[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.
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[MC29611(ALL)01/97]
Battery
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[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.
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163
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[MC29613(ALL)02/97]
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top
of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain
the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
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[MC29614(ALL)02/97]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal(s)
and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize
the acid with a solution of baking soda and
water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of
grease to the top of each battery terminal to help
prevent corrosion.
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[MC29616(ALL)01/97]
Battery Replacement
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[MC29620(ALL)02/97]
If your original equipment battery requires
replacement while under warranty, it will be
replaced with a Motorcraft service battery,
identical in design technology. Like the original
equipment battery, it should not require water
addition during its normal 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). Do not overfill the
battery cells.
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[MC29625(ALL)02/97]
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make
sure it is re-installed after the battery
is replaced.
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[MC29630(ALL)02/97]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low,
you ca add plain tap water to the battery, as
long as you do not use hard water (water with a
high mineral or alkali content). If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked.
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164 %
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[MC29635(ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
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[MC29640(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
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[MC29645(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
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[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.
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[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.
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[MC29665(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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[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.
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165 %
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[MC29675(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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[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.
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[MC30100(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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166
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[MC30500(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
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[MC30600(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after
you clean them, you may need to replace the
wiper blade assembly. When replacing the wiper
blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent.
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[MC30700(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC30800(ALL)01/96]
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and into the lock position.
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper
arm. Push the lock pin with a screwdriver to
release the blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
*
[MC31000(ALL)08/95]
3. Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm
and press it into place until you hear it click.
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