Page 8 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 5 %
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[II05850(ALL)01/96]
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation
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[II05875(ALL)01/96]
Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 5 %
*
[II05850(ALL)01/96]
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation
*
[II05875(ALL)01/96]
Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-7.png)
5 %
*
[II05850(ALL)01/96]
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation
*
[II05875(ALL)01/96]
Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA),
and/or state and local laws and regulations may
require additional equipment for the way you
intend to use the vehicle. It is the responsibility
of the registered owner to determine the
applicability of such laws and regulations to
your intended use for the vehicle, and to
arrange for the installation of required
equipment. Your Ford dealer has information
about the availability of many items of
equipment which may be ordered for your
vehicle.
%
*
[II06000(ALL)01/96]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
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[II06100(ALL)01/96]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
%*
[II06300(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:
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[II06400(ALL)01/96]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.
*
[II06500(ALL)01/96]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
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[II06600(ALL)01/96]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
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[II06700(ALL)01/96]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
%*
[II06800(ALL)03/96]
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº
oils.
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Page 14 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 11 %
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[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
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[IS03300(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS03400(ALL FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 11 %
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[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS03300(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS03400(ALL](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-13.png)
11 %
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[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
*
[IS03300(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS03400(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030172-C
Charging system light
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[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
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[IS03550(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
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Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[IS03715(ALL)04/96]
This light indicates low oil pressure, not low oil
level. However, if the engine's oil level is low, it
could affect the oil pressure. This light
illuminates every time the ignition key is turned
to ON or START, but it normally turns off when
the engine starts.
[IS03800(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030173-C
Engine oil pressure light
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![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 12 [IS03900(ALL)04/96]If the light stays on or illuminates while the
engine is running:
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[IS04000(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
[IS04100(ALL)01/96]
2.Shut off the engine FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 12 [IS03900(ALL)04/96]If the light stays on or illuminates while the
engine is running:
*
[IS04000(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
[IS04100(ALL)01/96]
2.Shut off the engine](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-14.png)
12 [IS03900(ALL)04/96]If the light stays on or illuminates while the
engine is running:
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[IS04000(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
[IS04100(ALL)01/96]
2.Shut off the engine immediately.Continued
operation could cause severe engine damage.
[IS04200(ALL)01/96]
3. Check the engine oil level. Make sure the car
is on level ground.
[IS04300(ALL)01/96]
4. Add oil to the full mark on the dipstick
before you drive your car again. Do not
overfill. Do not operate the engine when the
oil light is on. For more information about
adding oil, seeEngine oil recommendationsin
the Index.
[IS04350(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Do not rely on the oil light to tell you
when the oil is low. Have the oil checked
often. It is possible for damage to occur if
an engine is operated with a low oil level.
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[IS04500(ALL)03/96]
High Beam Light
*
[IS04600(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights. If your vehicle is equipped with daytime
running lights and you have your headlamps on
your high beam telltale will not illuminate when
you flash the lights.
*
[IS04700(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0030174-A
High beam light
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![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 149
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Engine Oil Recommendations
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[MC05050(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
P FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 149
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[MC05000(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05050(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
P](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-150.png)
149
%*
[MC05000(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05050(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[MC05100(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC05200(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC05300(ALL)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC05350(ALL)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[MC05600(ALL)03/96]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
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![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 150
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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 ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 150
*
[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](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-151.png)
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
*
[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.
%*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[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).
*
[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.
*
[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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![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 n FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 n](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-152.png)
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).
*
[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
*
[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.
*
[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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![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 152 %
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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC07200(ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[MC07300(ALL)05/96]
one th FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 152 %
*
[MC07100(ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC07200(ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[MC07300(ALL)05/96]
one th](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-153.png)
152 %
*
[MC07100(ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC07200(ALL)01/96]
Change the engine oil and oil filterper the
following, whichever occurs first.
*
[MC07300(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
Oil change intervals
*
[MC07400(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC07500(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.
*
[MC07600(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC07700(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC17282(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC17284(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
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Page 184 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 sta FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 sta](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-183.png)
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.
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