1997 FORD ASPIRE tow

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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:10icerf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:55:59 1997

166
*
[MC30500(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC30600(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after
you clean them, you may need to replace the
wiper blade assembly. When replacing the wiper
blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent.
*
[MC30700(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC30800(ALL)01/96]
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and into the lock position.
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper
arm. Push the lock pin with a screwdriver to
release the blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
*
[MC31000(ALL)08/95]
3. Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm
and press it into place until you hear it click.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

189 [MC63425(ALL)04/96]
Rear Lamp Bulbs
[MC63430(ALL)04/96]
To replace a bulb:
[MC63435(ALL)04/96]
1. Raise the liftgate.
[MC63440(ALL)04/96]
2. Remove the two lamp screws.
[MC63445(ALL)04/96]
half page art:0032287-A[MC63450(ALL)04/96]
3. Press the rear lamp toward the outside of
the vehicle to disengage it from the body.
[MC63455(ALL)04/96]
4. Pull the rear lamp away from the body to
expose the lamp bulb sockets.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

193 %
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC71500(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC71600(ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC71620(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC71630(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC71640(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%*
[MC71700(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
[MC71800(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaner to clean the lamps, as they
may cause scratches or crack the lights.
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

211
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14ichsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:58:16 1997

Index 247
D
Daytime running light system....... 46
Defects, reporting............ 209
Dipstick................ 150
automatic transaxle fluid....... 161
engine oil.............. 150
power steering fluid......... 159
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 143
Doors.................. 53
Driving under special conditions
heavy load.............. 118
towing a trailer............ 119
E
Electrical system, fuses.......122, 128
Electronic radio with cassette (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 42
atenna................. 42
radio reception............. 27
tuning the radio............ 21
warranty and service information.... 30
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 21
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 211
battery acid spills.........139, 165
fuel................. 178
jump-starting............. 138
towing................ 143
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 108
Emission control system......... 181
catalytic converter.......... 181
emissions warranty......... 3,181
Engine
check engine warning light....... 13
does not start........... 96,100
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

Index 253
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
service engine soon........... 13
turn signal indicator........ 45,48
Load limits............... 118
GAWR................ 118
GVWR................ 118
trailer towing............. 119
Lug nuts................ 133
standard............... 136
tightening sequence.......... 133
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet).......... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 145
Maintenance (see servicing)....... 145
Manual transaxle
backing up (reverse)......... 116
clutch................ 114
shifting gears............. 115
shift speeds............. 117
Manual transmission
backing up (reverse)......... 116
clutch................ 114
shifting gears............. 115
shift speeds............. 117
Map pockets............... 54
Master cylinder, brakes......... 152
Mileage, calculating fuel economy.... 179
Mirrors.................. 51
rearview................ 51
side view mirrors............ 51
side view mirrors (manual)....... 52
Motorcraft parts............. 199
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997