1997 FORD ASPIRE ignition

97
*
[TO08500(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
%*
[TO08600(ALL)01/96]
Using the Engine Block Heater
(If equipped)
*
[TO08610(ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO08620(ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO08650(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO08670(ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO08700(ALL)04/96]
Shift-lock System (If equipped)
*
[TO08800(ALL)04/96]
For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a
shift-lock system, which prevents shifting the
transaxle out of the P (Park) position without
depressing the brake pedal when the ignition
key is in the ON position.
File:08ictof.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:32 1997

98
*
[TO08900(ALL)03/96]
To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position:
*
[TO09000(ALL)03/96]
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[TO09050(ALL)03/96]
2. Start the engine.
[TO09060(ALL)01/96]
3. Push in the thumb lock button and move the
gearshift lever.
[TO09070(ALL)01/96]
4. SeeEmergency Override Systemlater in this
section for more information.
*
[TO09100(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: When the ignition key is in the ACC
or LOCK position, the transaxle cannot
be shifted from the P (Park) position.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly
depressed and released when the
ignition is in the ON position and the
selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, a chattering near the gearshift
lever may be heard. This is not a
malfunction.
*
[TO09200(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle's gearshift lever is
securely latched in P (Park) if you
cannot move it without pushing in the
thumb button. Keep the brake pedal
depressed while moving your gearshift
lever.
*
[TO09300(ALL)03/96]
To make the system more effective, the ignition
key cannot be removed unless the gearshift
selector lever is in the P (Park) position.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:32 1997

101 [TO09550(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0032161-C
The location of the fuel pump shut-off switch (U.S. vehicle
shown Ð Canadian vehicles similar)
*
[TO09600(ALL)03/96]
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
[TO09650(ALL)02/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or major jolt:
*
[TO09700(ALL)03/96]
1. Turn the key in the ignition to the LOCK
position.
*
[TO09750(ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
[TO09800(ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, remove the
door covering the fuel pump shut-off switch
compartment by pressing the tab toward the
rear seat. Push down the red reset button on
the fuel pump shut-off switch.
File:08ictof.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:32 1997

104
*
[TO30000(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the
Ignition
*
[TO30100(ALL)01/96]
1. Put the gearshift selector lever in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) (manual
transaxle).
*
[TO30200(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
[TO30300(ALL)01/96]
3. Push the key in (manual transaxle) and turn
it to the LOCK position.
*
[TO30400(ALL)03/96]
4. Remove the key.
*
[TO30500(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).
*
[TO30600(ALL)03/96]
WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:32 1997

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.
File:09icgff.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:54:55 1997

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

118
*
[GF12005(ALL)01/96]
Parking
*
[GF12010(ALL)01/96]
To park your vehicle, shift into 1 (First), set the
parking brake fully, and turn off the ignition.
*
[GF12015(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
%
*
[GF30000(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
[GF30100(ALL)04/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry. The total weight of your
vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers and
cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[GF30200(ALL)01/96]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left door lock pillar.
*
[GF30300(ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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