1997 FORD PROBE oil

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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

223
*
[MC38500(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC38600(ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC38700(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not push start your vehicle.
*
[MC38950(ALL)03/96]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule.
*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
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.
*
[MC39100(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.
*
[MC39200(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.
%*
[MC39300(ALL)01/96]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emission 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 with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

231
*
[MC60900(ALL)01/96]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its
dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.
*
[MC61000(ALL)01/96]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.
%*
[MC61100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC61200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC61300(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC61400(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC61500(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC61600(ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
*
[MC61700(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's side mouldings are
painted in lacquer, do not use thinners or
solvents to clean them.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

232 %
*
[MC62000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC62100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or crack the lamps.
*
[MC63000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC63100(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.
*
[MC63200(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.
*
[MC63300(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.
*
[MC63400(ALL)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC63600(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC63700(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC63800(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

234 %
*
[MC66000(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC66100(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
%
*
[MC70000(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[MC70100(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[MC70200(ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[MC70300(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[MC70400(ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[MC70500(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[MC70600(ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[MC70700(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC70800(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC70900(ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[MC71000(ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

Index 275
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 13
Accessory position on the ignition..... 61
Additives, engine oil.......... 190
Air bag supplemental restraint system
and child safety seats......... 113
description............104, 106
driver air bag..........104, 106
indicator light............. 11
operation.............. 106
passenger air bag........... 106
service and information labels..... 106
tone generator............ 110
Air cleaner filter, specifications...... 237
Air conditioning, electronic automatic
temperature control system....... 49
Aluminum wheels............ 214
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)........... 21,43
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 196
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 133
see also Brake............ 133
warning light.............. 13
warninig light............. 12
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 245
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 63
Automatic transaxle
driving with............. 138
fluid, adding............. 201
fluid, checking............ 201
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996