1997 FORD ASPIRE check engine

161
%*
[MC29542(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC29544(ALL)02/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for replacement
intervals. However, if the transaxle is not
working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle
may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice
some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level
should be checked.
%*
[MC29546(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC29548(ALL)04/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
[MC29550(ALL)01/96]
Pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end
clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube
and make sure it is fully seated; otherwise, you
will not get an accurate reading. Pull the
dipstick out and read the fluid level.
[MC29555(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032228-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
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

184
*
[MC48950(ALL)07/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC48960(ALL)03/96]
q
20 minutes of driving in stop and go
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC48970(ALL)03/96]
q
10 minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC48980(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during the above driving modes. If
the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M
requirements by using these driving patterns, an
authorized service center can perform a detailed
OBD II drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
%
*
[MC60000(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC60100(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC60200(ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
[MC60300(ALL)01/96]
q
high mount brakelamp
*
[MC60400(ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC60500(ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC60600(ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC60700(ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC60800(ALL)01/96]
q
side markers
*
[MC60900(ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
*
[MC61000(ALL)01/96]
q
fog lamps
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

197 %
*
[MC81500(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[MC81600(ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC81700(ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[MC81800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[MC81900(ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[MC82000(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.
*
[MC82100(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC82200(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
%*
[MC82300(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[MC82400(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC82500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC82600(ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[MC82700(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

Index 243
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............. 15
Accessory position on the ignition..... 44
Additives, engine oil.......... 149
Air bag supplemental restraint system . 69, 78
and child safety seats........77±78
description............. 69,71
driver air bag........... 69,71
indicator light............. 14
operation............... 71
passenger air bag............ 71
service and information labels.... 71,75
tone generator............. 74
Air cleaner filter, specifications...... 199
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)......... 19,27,42
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 155
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 105
see also Brake............ 105
warning light.............. 15
warninig light............. 9
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 214
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 211
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 19
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 46
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding............. 161
fluid, checking............ 161
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive.... 112
fluid, adding............. 161
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

246 Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
exterior lamps............ 193
fabric................ 194
headlamps.............. 193
instrument panel........... 193
instrument panel lens......... 195
interior................ 194
plastic parts............. 193
polishing............... 192
rear windows.............. 41
rustproofing............. 193
safety belts.............. 195
tail lamps.............. 193
upholstery and interior trim...... 194
washing............... 192
waxing................ 192
wheels................ 193
windows................ 41
Climate control system........... 33
Clock................... 27
Clutch................. 114
fluid reservoir............ 152
operation while driving........ 114
recommended shift speeds....... 117
shifting the gears........... 115
Cold engine starting............ 95
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 63, 65
Controls, mirrors............. 51
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 132
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 155
checking and adding......... 155
drain and flush............ 159
preparing for storage......... 197
temperature gauge........... 17
warnings............... 155
Cooling fan............... 146
Crankcase emission filter......... 199
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 213
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........214, 218
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 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