Page 129 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 126
*
[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
3.If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
If you have a ma FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 126
*
[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
3.If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
If you have a ma](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-128.png)
126
*
[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
3.If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
If you have a manual transaxle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully set, push the
clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key.(Remember, the starter will operate
only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the
way to the floor.)
%*
[TO05700(ALL)01/96]
Testing the Warning Lights
*
[TO05800(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
%*
[TO06000(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
*
[TO06100(ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
*
[TO06300(ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[TO06320(ALL)01/96]
2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn
the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[TO06330(ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[TO06340(ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[TO06400(ALL)05/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
File:08prtop.ex
Update:Wed May 15 15:01:01 1996
Page 177 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 174 [ER09990(ALL)04/96]Your vehicle has metric (12 mm) wheel studs
and lug nuts. During wheel removal and
replacement, make certain that you use the same
lug nuts to reinstall the wheel or replace the FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 174 [ER09990(ALL)04/96]Your vehicle has metric (12 mm) wheel studs
and lug nuts. During wheel removal and
replacement, make certain that you use the same
lug nuts to reinstall the wheel or replace the](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-176.png)
174 [ER09990(ALL)04/96]Your vehicle has metric (12 mm) wheel studs
and lug nuts. During wheel removal and
replacement, make certain that you use the same
lug nuts to reinstall the wheel or replace them
with nuts of the same metric size and threading.
*
[ER10000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Installation of an English thread nut on a
metric stud (or vice-versa) will not
properly secure the wheel to the hub.
Damaged studs may result in wheel
separation and possible injury.
*
[ER10200(ALL)03/96]
5. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
[ER10300(ALL)01/96]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the illustration
under step 2.
[ER10700(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away.
[ER10750(ALL)01/96]
8. Unblock the wheels.
%
*
[ER11000(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
[ER11100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. Your vehicle's battery may die if you
leave the lights on or any electrical equipment
on after you turn the engine off. If this happens,
you may be able to jump-start from a booster
battery to start your vehicle.
*
[ER11150(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
File:10prerp.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996
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)
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
Page 277 of 288

Index 281
F
Fan.................. 184
engine fan, avoiding injury...... 184
Federal Communications Commission.... 45
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 5
Flashers, hazard............. 155
Flashing the lights............. 66
Flat tire................ 167
Foglamps................. 57
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 247
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 252
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 252
Foreign registration........... 254
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy....... 220
choosing the right fuel........ 217
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 215
filter, specifications.......... 237
fuel filler door release lever...... 215
fuel gauge............... 16
octane rating............. 217
quality................ 217
running out of fuel.......... 220
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 219
storing your vehicle.......... 235
treating emergencies......... 219
Fuel cap
removing.............. 215
replacing.............215, 217
Fuel filler door
remote release............ 215
Fuel filter, specifications......... 237
Fuel gauge................ 16
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Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996
Page 279 of 288

Index 283
H
Hazard flashers............. 155
Headlamps
aiming................ 225
checking alignment.......... 226
cleaning............... 232
daytime running lights......... 63
flashing................ 66
replacing bulbs............ 225
Head restraints.............. 89
High beams, indicator light........ 15
Hood
latch location............. 186
release lever............. 186
working under the hood....... 184
Hoses, checking............. 199
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) . . . 252
Idle
relearning............178, 184
speed................ 128
Ignition, positions of the ignition...... 61
Indicator lights and chimes (see Lights) . . . 7
Infant seats (see Safety seats).....111, 113
Instrument cluster............. 8
Instrument panel............. 47
lighting up panel and interior...... 58
Interval wipers.............. 68
J
Jack
operation.............. 170
positioning.............. 170
storage............... 169
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables............ 176
disconnecting cables.......... 178
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996
Page 280 of 288

284 Index
K
Keys
positions of the ignition......... 61
stuck in lock position.......... 61
L
Lamps
checking............... 225
daytime running light system...... 63
dome lamps.............. 58
flashing the lamps............ 66
fog lamps............... 57
hazard flashers............ 155
instrument panel, dimming....... 58
interior lamps.............. 58
replacing bulbs............ 225
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal).......... 62,67
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 11
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 13
brake................. 12
check engine.............. 15
engine oil pressure........... 17
hazard warning light......... 155
high beam............... 15
oil pressure............... 17
rear ABS................ 13
safety belt............... 11
service engine soon........... 15
testing the warning lights....... 126
turn signal indicator......... 62,67
Load limits
GAWR................ 151
GVWR................ 151
trailer towing............. 153
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Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996
Page 285 of 288

Index 289
Storage compartments (continued)
center console............. 80
map pockets.............. 80
Storing your vehicle........... 234
Sunroof (moon roof)............ 74
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 11
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 104
T
Tachometer
mechanical cluster........... 19
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 225
cleaning............... 232
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 49
Testing the warning lights........ 126
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints)......... 122
Tires
changing............... 167
checking the pressure......... 208
cleaning............... 232
inspection and maintenance....208, 210
replacing............... 211
rotating............... 210
snow tires and chains......... 214
spare tire.............. 169
storing your vehicle.......... 236
tire grades.............. 211
treadwear.............. 211
wear bands............. 211
wheel and tire matching........ 212
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 153
Towing your vehicle
using wheel dollies.......... 179
with a tow truck........... 179
Transaxle
automatic operation.......... 138
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 201
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Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996
Page 286 of 288

290 Index
Transaxle control switch......... 143
Trip odometer............... 19
Tune-up specifications (VECI)....... 224
Turn signal
indicator lights............. 67
lever................ 62,67
U
Upshift speeds............. 150
Used engine oil, disposal.....184, 193, 203
V
Variable interval wipers.......... 68
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................. 224
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 252
Vehicle loading
automatic transaxles.......... 152
calculating the load.......... 152
manual transaxles........... 152
understanding loading information . . . 151
Vehicle storage............. 234
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control).......... 49
Viscosity (see Engine oil)......... 190
W
Warm engine, starting.......... 127
Warning chimes, safety belt........ 11
Warning lights, testing.......... 126
Warning lights (see Lights)......... 7
Warranties
basic.................. 4
Canada................. 4
radio.................. 46
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996