1997 FORD ASPIRE battery

155 %
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[MC17316(ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
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[MC17700(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC17710(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
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[MC17715(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC17720(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.
[MC17800(ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Typein the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
[MC18000(ALL)01/96]
q
If the engine is hot, the reservoir should be
filled with engine coolant to the FULL mark,
and the radiator should be full.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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
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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
*
[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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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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.
*
[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.
*
[MC29616(ALL)01/97]
Battery Replacement
*
[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.
*
[MC29625(ALL)02/97]
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make
sure it is re-installed after the battery
is replaced.
*
[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.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

164 %
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[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

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

183
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[MC48600(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC48700(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC48800(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC48900(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC48910(ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
[MC48920(ALL)02/97]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If your
ªCheck Engineº light is on, reference the ªCheck
Engineº light description under the Warning
Lights and Gauges section. Your vehicle may not
pass an I/M test with the Check Engine light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is
reset to a not ready for for I/M testing
condition. To prepare for I/M testing, additional
mixed city and highway driving to complete the
check of the OBD II system is necessary.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

191 %
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[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[MC63600(ALL)01/96]
To replace the high-mount brakelamp bulb, refer
to the instructions below or take your vehicle to
your Ford dealer or a qualified technician.
[MC63700(ALL)01/96]
To remove the high-mount brakelamp:
[MC63800(ALL)01/96]
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
[MC63900(ALL)01/96]
2. Raise the hatchback.
[MC64000(ALL)04/96]
3. Gently pull the hatchback trim panel away
from the hatchback.
[MC64100(ALL)04/96]
4. Disconnect the luggage compartment lamp
electrical connector (if equipped) and lay the
trim panel aside.
[MC64200(ALL)04/96]
5. Rotate the high-mount lamp socket
counterclockwise and remove it from the
housing.
[MC64300(ALL)04/96]
6. Carefully remove the bulb by gently pulling
it straight from the socket.
*
[MC64400(ALL)01/96]
To install a bulb:
[MC64500(ALL)01/96]
1. Firmly install the replacement bulb into the
socket.
[MC64600(ALL)01/96]
2. Place the socket assembly in the high-mount
stoplamp housing and turn clockwise to lock
into position.
[MC64700(ALL)01/96]
3. Position the hatchback trim panel and
connect the luggage compartment lamp
electrical connector (if equipped).
[MC64800(ALL)01/96]
4. Insert the trim panel retaining clips into the
locating holes in the hatchback and push
each clip firmly into position.
[MC64820(ALL)04/96]
5. Close the hatchback and reconnect the
negative battery cable.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

197 %
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[MC81500(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[MC81600(ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC81700(ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[MC81800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[MC81900(ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[MC82000(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[MC82100(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC82200(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
%*
[MC82300(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[MC82400(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC82500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC82600(ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[MC82700(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997