1997 FORD ASPIRE service

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.
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[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.
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[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.
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145
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[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.
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[MC00925(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[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.
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[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,
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146vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
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[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts that meet Ford Motor
Company specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle. Using these parts
for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built
quality stays in your vehicle.
%*
[MC01200(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.
%
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[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01850(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.
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[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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159 %
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[MC21200(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
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[MC21300(ALL)05/96]
The proper procedures to completely drain and
flush the engine cooling system can be found in
the Service Manual for your vehicle or you can
see your dealer. See the order form located
before this chapter. Follow these recommended
procedures to ensure that your vehicle has the
specified engine level and 50/50 mixture of
cooling system fluid and water.
%*
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
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[MC22200(ALL)04/96]
Check all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in themaintenance
schedule. Repair or replace with Motorcraft hoses
or equivalent as necessary.
%
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[MC23000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[MC23100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC23200(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
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[MC23300(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
normal operating temperature range.
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[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
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[MC23500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
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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.
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[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.
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[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
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[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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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.
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[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.
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[MC29616(ALL)01/97]
Battery Replacement
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[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.
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[MC29625(ALL)02/97]
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make
sure it is re-installed after the battery
is replaced.
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[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.
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171 %
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[MC43224(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
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[MC43226(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounted to
maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC43228(ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
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[MC43230(ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[MC43232(ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
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[MC43234(ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
%*
[MC43236(ALL)01/96]
Treadwear
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[MC43238(ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
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175 %
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[MC43775(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
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[MC43780(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC43785(ALL)08/96]
WARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC43795(ALL)08/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[MC43800(ALL)08/96]
q
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
Service stations sometimes sell winter grade
fuel in the summer.
*
[MC43805(ALL)08/96]
q
extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[MC43810(ALL)08/96]
q
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for
extended periods on extremely hot days.
*
[MC43815(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure
in an overfilled tank may cause leakage
and lead to fuel spray and fire.
*
[MC43820(ALL)01/96]
Before you fill your vehicle with fuel, extinguish
all lit cigarettes, other smoking materials, and
any open flames.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997