Page 138 of 288

135
engine and restart. If it remains illuminated, it
means the ABS is disabled and should be
serviced immediately to restore the benefits of
the anti-lock feature. Normal braking is not
affected unless the red BRAKE system warning
light is also illuminated.
[GF01500(ALL)04/96]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle
reaches 4-9 mph (6-15 km/h). The system turns
on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2
second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal part of the self-check
feature. If a malfunction is found during this
check the ABS light will come on.
[GF01510(ALL)12/96]
On vehicles equipped with an antilock braking
system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump
motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal
pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, wet
or snowy roads is normal and indicated proper
functioning of the vehicle's antilock brake
system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder while braking, mainly in the steering
wheel, the vehicle most likely needs service.
[GF01600(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles
equipped with the Anti-lock Brake System if
normal radio installation practices are rigidly
followed. However, if after installing mobile
radio transmitting equipment, the Anti-lock
Brake System light comes on at any time other
than immediately after turning the key to the
File:09prgfp.ex
Update:Fri Jan 3 09:33:04 1997
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
File:09prgfp.ex
Update:Fri Jan 3 09:33:04 1997
Page 141 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 138steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right o FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 138steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right o](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-140.png)
138steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF03100(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type oftransaxleyour
vehicle has. You may be familiar with the term
ªtransmission.º We usetransaxlebecause it is a
more accurate term for vehicles that have
front-wheel drive.
[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has one of two types of transaxles:
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
q
a manual five-speed overdrive
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
q
an automatic four-speed overdrive
%
*
[GF04400(ALL)01/96]
Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transaxle
%*
[GF04500(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04600(ALL)01/96]
The automatic transaxle on your vehicle is an
electrically controlled four speed. The highest
gear is Overdrive. The Overdrive position is
reflected by D in the shift selector indicator.
[GF04700(ALL)01/96]
The automatic transaxle uses the conventional
selector lever, and an Overdrive OFF button. All
normal driving is done with the selector in the
D position.
File:09prgfp.ex
Update:Fri Jan 3 09:33:04 1997
Page 158 of 288
155
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00300(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00400(ALL)01/96]
To alert other drivers to hazardous situations,
press the hazard flasher switch on the top of the
steering column. All the turn signals will flash
on and off at the same time. The flashers will
also operate while the brake pedal is applied. To
turn the flashers off, press the switch again.
*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers will work for up to
two hours when the battery is fully charged and
in good condition. They will not drain the
battery excessively unless they are left on for an
extended period of time.
[ER00600(ALL)01/96]
If the flashers run for longer than 2 hours while
your engine is not running, or if your battery is
not fully charged, your battery could be drained.
File:10prerp.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996
Page 170 of 288
167
*
[ER03300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
[ER03400(ALL)04/96]
To find a fuse's amperage rating, check the
number on the fuse or check the color.
[ER03500(ALL)01/96]
twelve pica chart:0032119-A*
[ER03600(ALL)04/96]
Even after you replace a fuse, it may continue to
blow if you do not find what caused the
overload. If the fuse continues to blow, have
your electrical system checked.
%
*
[ER03800(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03900(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
File:10prerp.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996
Page 184 of 288
181 [ER16300(ALL)01/96]
two third page art:0032195-A
*
[ER16400(ALL)01/96]
Do not use your vehicle's steering column lock
to secure the wheels in a straight-ahead position.
Always use a steering wheel clamping device
designed for towing service.
*
[ER16500(ALL)01/96]
Refer toTowing behind another vehicle
Ðrecreational vehiclein the Index for information
on towing behind an RV.
File:10prerp.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996
Page 201 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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
FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-200.png)
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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
Page 202 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 200
*
[MC17400(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 200
*
[MC17400(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-201.png)
200
*
[MC17400(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off and check the level on
the power steering reservoir.
[MC17600(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032043-A
Where to check for power steering fluid
[MC17700(ALL)01/96]
4. Remove the dipstick to read the power
steering fluid level. If the power steering
fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level, until you
reach the HIGH line. Do not overfill. To find
out how much fluid your vehicle's power
steering fluid reservoir will hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC17800(ALL)01/96]
5. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
*
[MC17900(ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC18000(ALL)04/96]
If you must check the power steering fluid
before it reaches normal operating temperature,
make sure that the fluid reaches the ªLº (LOW)
line range in the reservoir. The reading will only
be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996