1997 FORD PROBE ECU

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.
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181 [ER16300(ALL)01/96]
two third page art:0032195-A
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[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.
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Update:Thu Jun 13 09:57:39 1996

183
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*
[MC00900(ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC00925(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[MC00930(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
*
[MC01000(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that you
perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet. These services
are important for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
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185
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02200(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[MC02500(ALL)01/96]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[MC02700(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
*
[MC02750(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
*
[MC02800(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02850(ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02900(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC03000(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
*
[MC03100(ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC03200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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186 %
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[MC03400(ALL)02/96]
Opening the Hood
%*
[MC03500(ALL)02/96]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[MC03600(ALL)02/96]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
[MC03750(ALL)01/96]
3. Lift the hood and set the prop rod in the
hole in the hood marked with an arrow.
*
[MC03800(ALL)02/96]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop
rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches
securely.
[MC03900(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0032100-A
The hood release handle
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191 %
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[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[MC06700(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[MC06900(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First)
(manual transaxle).
*
[MC07000(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[MC07100(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[MC07200(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[MC07300(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032075-A
Engine oil dipstick
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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.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

215
*
[MC28860(ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC28870(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC28880(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[MC28890(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[MC29025(ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC30000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC30050(ALL)03/96]
Fuel filler door release lever
[MC30100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filler door
release. To open the fuel filler door, pull up on
the release lever which is located in front of the
driver's seat and near the door.
[MC30200(ALL)01/96]
Remote Fuel Filler-Lid Release Override
[MC30300(ALL)01/96]
If the release does not operate, open the
hatchback, remove the trim on the left rear side,
reach into the opening and pull the latch toward
the rear (see the service manual for trim
removal). You should wear gloves to protect
your hands from any sharp edges when you use
the fuel filler-lid release override.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996