1997 FORD PROBE battery

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

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.
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

224
*
[MC39400(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC39500(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC39600(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC39700(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC39800(ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC39900(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II
system.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

236 %
*
[MC72300(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[MC72400(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC72500(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC72600(ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[MC72700(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[MC72800(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[MC72900(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[MC73000(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC73100(ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[MC73200(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[MC73300(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[MC73400(ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

245
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00210(ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00215(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14prhsp.ex
Update:Wed May 15 15:04:50 1996

276 Index
B
Backing up............... 149
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery
acid, treating emergencies.....175, 205
disconnecting............. 178
how to service............ 203
jumping a disabled battery....... 174
maintenance-free........... 203
proper disposal, recycling....... 205
replacement, specifications....... 237
servicing............... 203
when storing your vehicle....... 236
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 12
checking and adding......... 193
description.............. 193
Brakes
adjustment.............. 133
anti-lock............... 133
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............. 13
applying the brakes.......... 133
brake warning light........... 12
fluid, checking and adding....... 193
fluid, refill capacities......... 193
front disc............... 133
if brakes do not grip well....... 133
master cylinder............ 193
new brake linings............ 6
noise................. 133
parking............... 135
power braking............ 133
servicing............... 193
when storing your vehicle....... 236
Break-in period.............. 6
Brights (high beams)............ 15
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996

Index 279
D
Daytime running light system....... 63
Defects, reporting............ 243
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid....... 201
engine oil.............. 191
power steering fluid......... 199
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 179
Doors.................. 76
Driving under special conditions
heavy load.............. 151
towing a trailer............ 153
E
Electrical system, relays......... 165
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 34
Electronic sound system
antenna................ 43
radio reception............. 43
tuning the radio.......... 23,37
warranty and service information.... 46
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 34
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 34
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 245
battery acid spills.........175, 206
fuel................. 219
jump-starting............. 174
towing................ 179
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 134
Emission control system
catalytic converter.......... 222
emissions warranty......... 4,222
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996