1997 FORD ASPIRE maintenance

181
*
[MC44130(ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC44135(ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC44140(ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
[MC44145(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.
%
*
[MC47600(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC47700(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC47750(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[MC47800(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC47900(ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC48000(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC48100(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC48200(ALL)07/96]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

182
*
[MC48300(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.
*
[MC48400(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC48500(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC48550(ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC48575(ALL)01/96]
If other than Ford or Motorcraft or Ford
authorized remanufactured parts are used for
maintenance, replacement, or for the service of
components affecting emissions control, the
owner should be assured that such parts are
warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability. Please
consult your warranty information booklet for
complete warranty information.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

183
*
[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

195 %
*
[MC74000(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC74100(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
*
[MC75000(ALL)05/96]
Cleaning the Instrument Panel Lens
*
[MC75100(ALL)01/96]
Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or an abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.
%
*
[MC80000(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[MC80100(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[MC80200(ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[MC80300(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[MC80400(ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[MC80500(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[MC80600(ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

202
*
[CS49900(ALL)01/96]
Lubrication Specifications
*
[CS50000(ALL)02/96]
The transaxle and steering systems in your
vehicle are filled at the factory with high-quality,
long-lasting lubricants or fluids that do not
require periodic draining or refilling except
under severe-duty conditions. However, when
refilling or adding is required, it should be with
the proper lubricant or fluid meeting Ford
technical specifications. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet for instructions on maintaining
proper fluid levels.
File:12iccsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:46 1997

212
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00300(ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
*
[HS00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
%*
[HS00475(ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
*
[HS00600(ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
*
[HS00700(ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
File:14ichsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:58:16 1997

216
*
[HS03400(ALL)04/96]
How does the Board Work?
*
[HS03500(ALL)04/96]
The Board consists of:
*
[HS03550(ALL)04/96]
q
three consumer representatives
*
[HS03575(ALL)04/96]
q
a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer
*
[HS03600(ALL)04/96]
Consumer candidates for Board membership are
recruited and trained by an independent
consulting firm. Dealers are chosen because of
their business leadership qualities.
*
[HS03700(ALL)04/96]
What the Board needs
*
[HS03750(ALL)04/96]
To have your case reviewed you must complete
the application in the DSB brochure and mail it
to the address provided on the application form.
*
[HS03775(ALL)04/96]
Your application is reviewed and, if it is
determined to be eligible, you will receive an
acknowledgment indicating:
*
[HS03800(ALL)04/96]
q
the file number assigned to your application
*
[HS03850(ALL)04/96]
q
the toll-free phone number of the DSB's
independent administrator
*
[HS03900(ALL)04/96]
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company
representative are asked to submit statements at
this time.
*
[HS04000(ALL)04/96]
To review your case properly, the Board needs
the following information:
*
[HS04100(ALL)04/96]
q
legible copies of all documents and
maintenance or repair orders relevant to the
case
*
[HS04200(ALL)04/96]
q
the year, make, model and Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) listed on your
vehicle ownership license
*
[HS04300(ALL)04/96]
q
the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time
of occurrence(s)
*
[HS04400(ALL)04/96]
q
the current mileage
File:14ichsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:58:16 1997

244 Index
B
Backing up.............112, 116
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery................. 162
acid, treating emergencies . . . 139, 164±165
charging system warning light...... 11
disconnecting............. 142
how to service............ 162
jumping a disabled battery....... 138
maintenance-free........... 162
proper disposal, recycling....... 164
replacement, specifications....... 199
servicing............... 162
voltage gauge.............. 11
when storing your vehicle....... 197
Brake fluid............... 152
brake warning light........... 9
checking and adding......... 152
description.............. 152
Brakelamp............... 191
bulb replacement........... 191
high-mount brakelamp........ 191
Brakes................. 105
adjustment.............. 105
anti-lock............... 105
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 15
applying the brakes.......... 105
brake warning light........... 9
fluid, checking and adding....... 152
fluid, refill capacities......... 152
front disc............... 105
if brakes do not grip well....... 105
master cylinder............ 152
new brake linings............ 5
noise................. 105
parking............... 108
power braking............ 105
servicing............... 152
when storing your vehicle....... 198
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997