1997 FORD PROBE maintenance

184the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication
that your vehicle may need service. If you do
notice something unusual, see that your vehicle
is serviced promptly.
*
[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts that meet Ford Motor
Company specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle. Using these parts
for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built
quality stays in your vehicle.
%*
[MC01150(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.
%
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01850(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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190
%*
[MC05600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC05700(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.
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC06100(ALL)02/96]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
%*
[MC06300(ALL)03/96]
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).
%*
[MC06400(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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193
*
[MC08200(ALL)02/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%*
[MC08250(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.
*
[MC08275(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
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
*
[MC08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC08400(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
%
*
[MC08450(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC08500(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.
[MC08600(ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic reservoir on the master cylinder. (SeeThe
Engine Typesearlier in this chapter to locate the
master cylinder.) The fluid level should be at or
near the MAX mark.
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199 [MC10960(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant each month.
[MC10980(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
*
[MC11000(ALL)05/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
S34ÊF [S36ÊC]), it may be necessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC16100(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC16200(ALL)04/96]
Check all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in themaintenance
schedule. Repair or replace with Motorcraft hoses
or equivalent as necessary.
%
*
[MC17000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC17100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC17200(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC17300(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
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201
%*
[MC18100(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC18200(ALL)02/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for replacement
intervals. However, if the transaxle is not
working properly Ð for instance, the transaxle
may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice
some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid level
should be checked.
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
If you must check the transaxle fluid in an
emergency, make sure that your vehicle is on
level ground, start the engine, and move the
gearshift through all of the gears allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and leave the engine running.
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out
and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube. Make sure the
dipstick is fully seated in the filler tube;
otherwise, you will not get an accurate reading.
Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
[MC18500(ALL)01/96]
The fluid level must be above the lower mark. If
it is not, you should not drive your vehicle until
more fluid is added. Ideally, the fluid level
should be within the specified area of the
dipstick.
[MC18600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The fluid level indication on the
dipstick will be different at operating
temperature and room temperature. For
the correct fluid level reading on the
dipstick, follow the appropriate
instructions.
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203
*
[MC18900(ALL)01/96]
If you must add transaxle fluid in an emergency,
use only MERCONHfluid, such as Motorcraft
MERCONHMulti-Purpose ATF. Add the fluid in
1/2-pint increments until you raise the fluid
level to within the crosshatched area on the
dipstick. Never overfill the transaxle. If the fluid
level gets too high, remove the excess fluid as
soon as possible; otherwise, you could damage
the transaxle.
*
[MC18950(ALL)01/96]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC19000(ALL)01/96]
The lubricant level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal use. However, you
should periodically have your Ford Dealer check
the fluid level during regular oil changes.
%*
[MC19100(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.
[MC19200(ALL)01/96]
Constant Velocity Joints
[MC19300(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all rubber boots for signs of cracks, tears,
or splits. Inspect underneath of your car for any
indication of grease splatter in the areas of
constant velocity joint boots, outboard and
inboard locations; grease splatter is an indication
of boot and/or clamp damage.
%
*
[MC19500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC19600(ALL)01/96]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does
not require additional water during its life of
service. The vents are part of the cover and
cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
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204
*
[MC19700(ALL)01/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC19800(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
[MC19900(ALL)01/96]
When the original equipment maintenance-free
battery is replaced under warranty, it may be
replaced by a low-maintenance battery.
[MC19950(ALL)01/96]
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water, if necessary.
[MC20000(ALL)01/96]
The electrolyte level should be checked at least
every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore in
temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte level in each cell up to the level
indicator. Do not overfill.
[MC20100(ALL)01/96]
If the level gets low, you can add plain tap
water to the battery, provided the water isn't
hard or doesn't have a high mineral or alkali
content. However, if possible, refill with distilled
water. If the battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked for a possible
problem.
[MC20200(ALL)01/96]
If you ever disconnect the battery or install a
new battery, you must allow the computer to
ªrelearnº its idle condition before your vehicle
will drive properly. To begin this process, put
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
N (Neutral) (manual transaxle), set the
emergency brake, turn off all the accessories, and
start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature.
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206
*
[MC21000(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[MC21100(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
[MC24000(ALL)04/96]
Wiper blade maintenance
*
[MC24100(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Such substances as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[MC24200(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[MC24300(ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition switch to ACC and turn your
wipers on. Wait for them to reach a vertical
position and turn the ignition to OFF. Do not
move the wipers manually. Moving the wipers
manually may damage them.
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Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996