Page 193 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 191 %
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[MC63600(ALL)01/96]
To replace the high-mount brakelamp bulb, refer
to the instructions below or take your vehicle to
your Ford dealer or a quali FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 191 %
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[MC63600(ALL)01/96]
To replace the high-mount brakelamp bulb, refer
to the instructions below or take your vehicle to
your Ford dealer or a quali](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-192.png)
191 %
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulbs
[MC63600(ALL)01/96]
To replace the high-mount brakelamp bulb, refer
to the instructions below or take your vehicle to
your Ford dealer or a qualified technician.
[MC63700(ALL)01/96]
To remove the high-mount brakelamp:
[MC63800(ALL)01/96]
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
[MC63900(ALL)01/96]
2. Raise the hatchback.
[MC64000(ALL)04/96]
3. Gently pull the hatchback trim panel away
from the hatchback.
[MC64100(ALL)04/96]
4. Disconnect the luggage compartment lamp
electrical connector (if equipped) and lay the
trim panel aside.
[MC64200(ALL)04/96]
5. Rotate the high-mount lamp socket
counterclockwise and remove it from the
housing.
[MC64300(ALL)04/96]
6. Carefully remove the bulb by gently pulling
it straight from the socket.
*
[MC64400(ALL)01/96]
To install a bulb:
[MC64500(ALL)01/96]
1. Firmly install the replacement bulb into the
socket.
[MC64600(ALL)01/96]
2. Place the socket assembly in the high-mount
stoplamp housing and turn clockwise to lock
into position.
[MC64700(ALL)01/96]
3. Position the hatchback trim panel and
connect the luggage compartment lamp
electrical connector (if equipped).
[MC64800(ALL)01/96]
4. Insert the trim panel retaining clips into the
locating holes in the hatchback and push
each clip firmly into position.
[MC64820(ALL)04/96]
5. Close the hatchback and reconnect the
negative battery cable.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997
Page 196 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 194
*
[MC72000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC72100(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, ke FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 194
*
[MC72000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC72100(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, ke](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-195.png)
194
*
[MC72000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC72100(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the
engine warmer than normal.
*
[MC72200(ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC72300(ALL)04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[MC72400(ALL)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC72500(ALL)01/96]
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC73000(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC73100(ALL)01/96]
Vinyl
*
[MC73200(ALL)01/96]
Wipe the surface with a damp, soft cloth, then
dry and buff with a dry, soft cloth.
%*
[MC73300(ALL)05/96]
Fabric
*
[MC73400(ALL)05/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom
or a vacuum cleaner. Remove fresh spots
immediately. Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.
*
[MC73500(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997
Page 208 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 206
%*
[CS60000(ALL)01/96]
Your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
[CS60010(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030500-A
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)
*
[CS60200(ALL)04/96]
You should includ FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 206
%*
[CS60000(ALL)01/96]
Your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
[CS60010(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030500-A
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)
*
[CS60200(ALL)04/96]
You should includ](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-207.png)
206
%*
[CS60000(ALL)01/96]
Your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
[CS60010(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030500-A
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)
*
[CS60200(ALL)04/96]
You should include your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) any time you write to Ford
Motor Company about your vehicle.
*
[CS60300(ALL)03/96]
The Vehicle Identification Number is attached to
your vehicle in the following places:
[CS60400(ALL)03/96]
q
On the metal tag attached to the top of the
cowl top panel on the driver's side Ð you
can see the tag by looking through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. It is
recessed in the top of the instrument panel.
[CS60500(ALL)03/96]
q
On the Safety Compliance Certification label
Ð this label is attached to the left door lock
pillar. It is required by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration and is made of
special material. If someone tampers with it,
it will be destroyed or a series of diagonal
lines will appear.
File:12iccsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:46 1997
Page 211 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 w FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 w](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-210.png)
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
Page 237 of 254

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
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997
Page 238 of 254

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
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997
Page 239 of 254

Index 245
Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams)........... 12
Bulbs, replacing............. 184
halogen............... 185
headlamps.............. 185
high-mount brakelamp........ 191
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 218
Canada, warranty information....... 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 219
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 102
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 77
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)................ 21
Catalytic converter........... 181
Chains, tires.............. 173
Changing a tire............. 130
Charging system warning light....... 11
Child safety restraints
child safety belts............ 90
child safety seats............ 77
Child safety seats............. 77
and air bags............77±78
attaching with tether straps....... 87
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 67, 77
in front seat............77±78
in rear outboard seat.......... 77
in rear seat............... 77
tether anchorage hardware....... 87
Chime
key in ignition............. 16
safety belt............... 9
Circuit breakers, see also fuses...... 122
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 192
chrome and aluminum parts...... 193
engine compartment......... 194
exterior............... 192
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997
Page 240 of 254

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