1997 FORD PROBE 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
*
[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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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).
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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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202 [MC18700(ALL)01/96]At normal operating temperature (approximately
20 miles [32 km] of vehicle operation), the level
on the dipstick should be within the specified
area on the ªSafe level when hotº temperature
scale. At room temperature, the level should be
within the specified area on the ªSafe level when
coldº temperature scale. If your vehicle has not
been operated for some time and outside
temperature is below50ÊF (10ÊC) thefluid must
be warmed by running the engine.
[MC18800(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032096-A
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick on 2.5L engine vehicles
[MC18850(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032151-B
Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick on 2.0L engine vehicles
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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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205
*
[MC20300(ALL)01/96]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle
will eventually relearn its idle while you drive
it, but it takes much longer than if you use the
previous procedure.
%*
[MC20400(ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC20500(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC20600(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
*
[MC20700(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.
*
[MC20800(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[MC20900(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996