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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
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Page 147 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 144 [GF06300(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032053-AOverdrive OFF indicator light
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
To return the transaxle to normal operation (1st
through 4th gears) press the O/D OFF button
again. The FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 144 [GF06300(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032053-AOverdrive OFF indicator light
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
To return the transaxle to normal operation (1st
through 4th gears) press the O/D OFF button
again. The](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-146.png)
144 [GF06300(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0032053-AOverdrive OFF indicator light
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
To return the transaxle to normal operation (1st
through 4th gears) press the O/D OFF button
again. The O/D OFF button may be used to
cancel Overdrive any time the vehicle is being
driven. Each time your vehicle is started, the
Overdrive system will automatically be in the
normal ªoverdrive onº mode and the light will
not be illuminated.
[GF06500(ALL)03/96]
If the light does not illuminate when the O/D
OFF button is pressed, or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
transaxle.
[GF06600(ALL)01/96]
When to use Drive (D with Overdrive OFF)
[GF06700(ALL)01/96]
In Drive (Overdrive OFF), your vehicle
automatically upshifts or downshifts from 1st
through 4th gears as the vehicle speeds up or
slows down. It also downshifts when you need
extra acceleration to pass or when driving up a
hill.
[GF06800(ALL)01/96]
Selecting Drive (Overdrive OFF) will eliminate
the transaxle's tendency to ªhuntº between third
and fourth gears while driving over hilly terrain.
It also gives your vehicle more engine braking to
slow your vehicle than Overdrive does.
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Page 178 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 175
*
[ER11200(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.
%*
[ER11300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 175
*
[ER11200(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.
%*
[ER11300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-177.png)
175
*
[ER11200(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.
%*
[ER11300(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.
%*
[ER11400(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER11500(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.
*
[ER11600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
*
[ER11700(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
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Page 182 of 288
179
*
[ER14100(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER15000(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[ER15100(ALL)03/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
Recommended towing options include wheel lift
towing or flat bed towing.
[ER15200(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0032391-A*
[ER15300(ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
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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.
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Page 185 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-184.png)
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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Page 186 of 288

184the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication
that your vehicle may need service. If you do
notice something unusual, see that your vehicle
is serviced promptly.
*
[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts that meet Ford Motor
Company specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle. Using these parts
for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built
quality stays in your vehicle.
%*
[MC01150(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.
%
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
%*
[MC01800(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
*
[MC01850(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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Page 205 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-204.png)
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