Page 109 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 107
system automatically releases and re-applies the
front wheel brakes independently and the rear
brakes as a set. You can feel the system working
when the brake pedal pulses.
[GF03200(ALL)04/96]
Des FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 107
system automatically releases and re-applies the
front wheel brakes independently and the rear
brakes as a set. You can feel the system working
when the brake pedal pulses.
[GF03200(ALL)04/96]
Des](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-108.png)
107
system automatically releases and re-applies the
front wheel brakes independently and the rear
brakes as a set. You can feel the system working
when the brake pedal pulses.
[GF03200(ALL)04/96]
Despite this improvement in braking, you should
continue to be careful in all driving situations,
especially when driving on extremely slippery
road surfaces. Maximum braking on roads with
loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, uneven
pavement, or alternating patches of slippery and
dry surfaces, may reduce the directional control
of your vehicle, even with the Anti-lock Brake
System. When driving under normal conditions,
the braking action is the same as with standard
brakes.
[GF03300(ALL)01/96]
Problems in the Anti-lock Brake System will
cause the Anti-lock Brake Warning Light to
illuminate, which indicates the system has a
problem. Normal braking is not affected unless
the brake warning light is also on.
[GF03400(ALL)01/96]
Each time the ignition key is turned to the ON
position, the Anti-lock Brake System functions
through one test cycle.
*
[GF03500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If your vehicle must be jump-started
because of a low battery, the Anti-Lock
Brake System warning light could
remain on. This is due to low battery
voltage and does not indicate a
malfunction in the system. Under these
circumstances, you should drive your
vehicle only after the battery has had
time to charge and the light has gone
out.
[GF03600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: You might hear a chattering sound
from the Anti-lock Brake System each
time the vehicle is started or during
driving. This is normal.
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Page 110 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 108 [GF03700(ALL)04/96]Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
equipped with the Anti-lock Brake System if
normal FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 108 [GF03700(ALL)04/96]Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
equipped with the Anti-lock Brake System if
normal](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-109.png)
108 [GF03700(ALL)04/96]Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
equipped with the Anti-lock Brake System if
normal radio installation practices are rigidly
followed. However, if after installing mobile
radio transmitting equipment, the Anti-lock
Brake System light comes on at any time other
than immediately after turning the key to the
ON position or during a sudden stop, have your
mobile radio dealer inspect the radio installation.
Proper radio installation procedures to be
followed are published by the radio
manufacturer.
%*
[GF04000(ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
*
[GF04100(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
*
[GF04200(ALL)03/96]
If the brakes don't operate while the vehicle is
in motion, you can make an emergency stop
with the parking brake, however, the stopping
distance will be much greater than normal.
*
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats. To set the parking brake, put your
foot on the brake pedal while pulling the
parking brake handle fully and firmly upward.
*
[GF04400(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, put your foot on
the brake pedal, pull the handle upward and
push the button. Then lower the handle to the
released position while holding the button in.
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Page 111 of 254
109 [GF04500(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0030316-A
Parking brake (handbrake)
*
[GF05000(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF05100(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[GF05400(ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF06000(ALL)09/96]
WARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF06500(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
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Page 112 of 254

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
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Page 113 of 254
111
[GF11740(ALL)01/96]
Driving With an Automatic
Transaxle (If equipped)
%*
[GF11745(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF11750(ALL)01/96]
The automatic transaxle provides fully automatic
operation in D (Drive). For manual control, start
in 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and then shift
manually.
*
[GF11755(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.
[GF11760(ALL)04/96]
Using a Console-Mounted Gearshift
[GF11765(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0032160-A
Automatic console-mounted gearshift lever
*
[GF11770(ALL)01/96]
Your automatic transaxle vehicle has a
console-mounted shift selector lever. You must
step on the brake pedal, start the engine, and
then push in the thumb button to move the shift
selector lever to the position you choose.
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Page 114 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 112
*
[GF11775(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 an FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 112
*
[GF11775(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 an](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-113.png)
112
*
[GF11775(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.
[GF11780(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the gearshift selector lever will not
move with the key on and the brake
pedal depressed refer toShift-lock
systemin the Index.
*
[GF11785(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF11790(ALL)05/96]
Backing Up
*
[GF11795(ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
%*
[GF11800(ALL)05/96]
Driving
*
[GF11805(ALL)05/96]
When to use D (Drive)
[GF11810(ALL)04/96]
This is the normal driving position for your
vehicle. As your vehicle picks up speed the
transaxle will automatically upshift. The
transaxle will automatically downshift as speed
decreases.
*
[GF11815(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF11820(ALL)01/96]
Do not go faster than 40 mph (64 km/h) in this
gear. You can upshift from 1 (First) into 2
(Second) or D (Drive) at any speed.
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Page 115 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 st FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 st](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-114.png)
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.
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Page 116 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 114
[GF11865(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Manual
Transaxle (If equipped)
%*
[GF11870(ALL)01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF11875(ALL)01/96]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few
seconds. Then, h FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 114
[GF11865(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Manual
Transaxle (If equipped)
%*
[GF11870(ALL)01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF11875(ALL)01/96]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few
seconds. Then, h](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-115.png)
114
[GF11865(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Manual
Transaxle (If equipped)
%*
[GF11870(ALL)01/96]
Using the Clutch
*
[GF11875(ALL)01/96]
After the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few
seconds. Then, hold your right foot on the brake
pedal, push the clutch pedal to the floor with
your left foot, and move the shift selector lever
into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
*
[GF11880(ALL)01/96]
To move the vehicle, lift your right foot off the
brake pedal and slowly release the clutch pedal.
(You need to press down slowly on the
accelerator at the same time you release the
clutch pedal.)
*
[GF11885(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch
life.
*
[GF11890(ALL)01/96]
Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may
cause the vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing
or removing your other foot from the
accelerator.
File:09icgff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:55 1997