Page 140 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 137
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make su FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 137
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make su](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-139.png)
137
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[GF02400(ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF02500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF02600(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
%
*
[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
[GF02900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering.
Power steering uses energy from the engine to
help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF03000(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
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        Page 146 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 143
*
[GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF05500(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]
When to FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 143
*
[GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF05500(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]
When to](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-145.png)
143
*
[GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF05500(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]
When to use Overdrive (D with Overdrive
activated)
[GF05700(ALL)01/96]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same
way Drive (Overdrive OFF) works, automatically
upshifting or downshifting as the vehicle speeds
or slows.
[GF05800(ALL)01/96]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at a consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[GF05850(ALL)05/96]
Cancelling Overdrive
[GF05900(ALL)05/96]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads, select Drive (Overdrive
OFF) by cancelling Overdrive as outlined below.
[GF06100(ALL)01/96]
The Overdrive Off (O/D OFF) button is located
on the gearshift. The Overdrive Off (O/D OFF)
light is located in the instrument cluster.
[GF06200(ALL)01/96]
The O/D OFF light is not illuminated during
normal vehicle operation. This allows the
transaxle to upshift and downshift from 1st
through 4th gears. When the O/D OFF button is
pressed, Overdrive is cancelled and the O/D
OFF light in the instrument cluster illuminates.
When the O/D OFF light is illuminated, the
transaxle will upshift and downshift from 1st
through 3rd gears.
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        Page 148 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 145
*
[GF06900(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) to help drive up moderately
steep hills or when starting on slick surfaces. It
prevents the transaxle from frequentl FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 145
*
[GF06900(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) to help drive up moderately
steep hills or when starting on slick surfaces. It
prevents the transaxle from frequentl](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-147.png)
145
*
[GF06900(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) to help drive up moderately
steep hills or when starting on slick surfaces. It
prevents the transaxle from frequently shifting
up and down. It also gives more engine braking
than Overdrive or Drive when going down hills.
[GF07100(ALL)01/96]
Do not go faster than 64 mph (102 km/h) with
the gearshift in the Second (2) position. If you
shift from Overdrive or Drive to Second because
of hilly terrain, your transaxle will automatically
downshift in the proper sequence.
*
[GF07200(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07300(ALL)01/96]
When your vehicle is in First (1), it gives more
engine braking to slow your car than Drive (D
with Overdrive OFF) on downgrades.
[GF07400(ALL)01/96]
Do not go faster than 32 mph (50 km/h) in this
gear. You can upshift from First (1) into D
Position at any speed. If you shift from
Overdrive or Drive to First (1) because of hilly
terrain, your transaxle will automatically
downshift in the proper sequence.
[GF07500(ALL)04/96]
Reverse
[GF07600(ALL)01/96]
In the Reverse (R) position, the vehicle moves
only backward. Your vehicle must be stopped
before shifting into Reverse (R).
[GF07700(ALL)04/96]
Neutral
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
In Neutral (N), the wheels of the transaxle are
not locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on
the slightest incline, unless the parking brake or
brakes are on.
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        Page 193 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 191 %
*
[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each tim FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 191 %
*
[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each tim](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-192.png)
191 %
*
[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600(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.
%*
[MC06700(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC06800(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.
*
[MC06900(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First)
(manual transaxle).
*
[MC07000(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07100(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07200(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07300(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032075-A
Engine oil dipstick
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        Page 227 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 225
*
[MC39910(ALL)03/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below.
*
[MC39920(ALL)03/96]
q
20 minutes  FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 225
*
[MC39910(ALL)03/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below.
*
[MC39920(ALL)03/96]
q
20 minutes](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-226.png)
225
*
[MC39910(ALL)03/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below.
*
[MC39920(ALL)03/96]
q
20 minutes of driving in stop and go
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC39930(ALL)03/96]
q
10 minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway
*
[MC39940(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.
%
*
[MC42000(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC42100(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC42200(ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC42400(ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC42500(ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC42600(ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC42700(ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC42800(ALL)01/96]
q
side markers
*
[MC42900(ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
[MC43000(ALL)01/96]
q
fog lamps (GT model)
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        Page 228 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 226 %
*
[MC43100(ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC43200(ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicles high beams when you
do not FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 226 %
*
[MC43100(ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC43200(ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicles high beams when you
do not](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-227.png)
226 %
*
[MC43100(ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC43200(ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC43300(ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[MC43400(ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
%*
[MC43500(ALL)01/96]
Headlamp Bulb
[MC43600(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has retractable halogen headlamps.
If you need to replace a headlamp, have it done
by a Ford service technician.
% [MC43700(ALL)04/96]
High-Mount Brakelamp Bulb
[MC43800(ALL)01/96]
To replace the bulb:
[MC43900(ALL)01/96]
1. Remove the two side trim liftgate panels.
[MC44000(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the liftgate trim clip and the liftgate
trim.
[MC44100(ALL)01/96]
3. Remove the bulb from the socket by pushing
it in and turning it counterclockwise.
[MC44200(ALL)01/96]
4. Install the bulb by pushing straight into the
lamp socket and turning it clockwise until it
locks in place.
[MC44300(ALL)01/96]
5. Replace the liftgate trim and trim clip.
[MC44400(ALL)01/96]
6. Replace the two side trim liftgate panels.
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        Page 237 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 235
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
 FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 235
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-236.png)
235
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[MC71500(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[MC71600(ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC71700(ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[MC71800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[MC71900(ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[MC72000(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.
*
[MC72100(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.
*
[MC72200(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.
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        Page 238 of 288
236 %
*
[MC72300(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[MC72400(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC72500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC72600(ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[MC72700(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[MC72800(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[MC72900(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[MC73000(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC73100(ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[MC73200(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[MC73300(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[MC73400(ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996