1997 FORD ASPIRE ECU

113
*
[GF11825(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF11830(ALL)01/96]
Manually shift to 2 (Second) when driving in
heavy, slow moving traffic, when climbing hills,
for braking on steep hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces. Do not go faster than the posted speed
limit in this gear.
*
[GF11835(ALL)01/96]
Parking
*
[GF11840(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
rotating.
*
[GF11845(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11850(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[GF11855(ALL)01/96]
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched
when the thumb button has popped out. In this
position the gearshift selector lever cannot be
moved unless the button is pushed in.
*
[GF11860(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
File:09icgff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:55 1997

138 [ER10100(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Installation of an English thread lug bolt
into a metric hub will not properly secure
the wheel to the hub. Damaged lug bolts
may result in wheel separation and
possible injury.
*
[ER10200(ALL)03/96]
6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
[ER10500(ALL)01/96]
7. Remove the jack and fully tighten the wheel
lug bolts in the order shown in the
illustration under Step 1.
[ER10700(ALL)01/96]
8. Put the tire, jack, retaining tool and wrench
away.
[ER10750(ALL)01/96]
9. Secure the conventional tire where the spare
was stored with the bolt provided.
*
[ER10850(ALL)03/96]
10. Unblock the wheels.
%
*
[ER12255(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
[ER12260(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's battery may become discharged
(ªdieº) if you leave the lights or any electrical
equipment on after you turn the engine off. If
this happens, you may be able to jump-start
from a booster battery to start your vehicle.
*
[ER12265(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.
*
[ER12270(ALL)02/96]
WARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
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

145
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*
[MC00900(ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC00925(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC00930(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01000(ALL)02/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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

148 %
*
[MC04000(ALL)02/96]
Opening the Hood
%*
[MC04100(ALL)02/96]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[MC04200(ALL)02/96]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
[MC04300(ALL)02/96]
3. Lift the hood and set the prop rod in the
hole in the hood.
*
[MC04400(ALL)02/96]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop
rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches
securely.
[MC04500(ALL)04/96]
half page art:0032215-C
Hood release handle, hood latch and prop rod
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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

161
%*
[MC29542(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[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.
%*
[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
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997