1997 FORD ASPIRE light

142
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[ER12365(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
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[ER12370(ALL)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderate speed.
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[ER12375(ALL)02/96]
2. Let the discharged battery charge for a few
minutes and then start the disabled vehicle.
It may take a couple of tries before the
vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start
after several attempts, there may be a
different problem.
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[ER12380(ALL)02/96]
3. When both vehicles are running, let them
idle for a few minutes to charge the
discharged battery.
%*
[ER12385(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
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[ER12390(ALL)02/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
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[ER12395(ALL)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
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[ER12400(ALL)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
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[ER12405(ALL)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
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[ER12410(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
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[ER12415(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
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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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150
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[MC05650(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
%*
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC05800(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06000(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
or 1 (First).
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[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
[MC06300(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the dipstick (highlighted in yellow)
and carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[MC06400(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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151 [MC06500(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0032227-B
Engine oil dipstick
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is at or below the ªLº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some
oil must be removed from the engine.
[MC06700(ALL)04/96]
NOTE: The distance between the L (low) and
F (full) marks on the dipstick
represents 1.06 qts (1.0 liter).
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[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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[MC06900(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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[MC07000(ALL)09/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

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.
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[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.
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[MC43795(ALL)08/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
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[MC43800(ALL)08/96]
q
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
Service stations sometimes sell winter grade
fuel in the summer.
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[MC43805(ALL)08/96]
q
extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
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[MC43810(ALL)08/96]
q
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for
extended periods on extremely hot days.
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[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.
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[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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177
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
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[MC43870(ALL)08/96]
Octane recommendation
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[MC43876(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
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[MC43880(ALL)05/96]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
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[MC43891(ALL)08/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
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[MC43895(ALL)05/96]
Fuel quality
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[MC43901(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
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[MC43904(ALL)08/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
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182
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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183
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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