![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 212
*
[MC27100(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicles original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[MC27200(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC2725 FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 212
*
[MC27100(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicles original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[MC27200(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC2725](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-213.png)
212
*
[MC27100(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[MC27200(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC27250(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounted to
maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC28100(ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC28200(ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[MC28250(ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[MC28300(ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
%*
[MC28399(ALL)01/96]
Treadwear
*
[MC28400(ALL)01/96]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
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Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996

213
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
*
[MC28499(ALL)01/96]
Traction A B C
*
[MC28500(ALL)05/96]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
*
[MC28550(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straightahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC28699(ALL)01/96]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC28700(ALL)05/96]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
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Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 214
*
[MC28725(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, ei FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 214
*
[MC28725(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, ei](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-215.png)
214
*
[MC28725(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
%*
[MC28750(ALL)01/96]
Snow tires
*
[MC28770(ALL)01/96]
During the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC28790(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC28810(ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC28820(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
[MC28830(ALL)04/96]
q
Do not use tire chains if you have the GT
model.
*
[MC28840(ALL)01/96]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
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Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 232 %
*
[MC62000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC62100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or cra FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 232 %
*
[MC62000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC62100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or cra](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-233.png)
232 %
*
[MC62000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC62100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or crack the lamps.
*
[MC63000(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC63100(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the
engine warmer than normal.
*
[MC63200(ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[MC63300(ALL)04/96]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[MC63400(ALL)04/96]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[MC63500(ALL)01/96]
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%*
[MC63600(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC63700(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC63800(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 234 %
*
[MC66000(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC66100(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 234 %
*
[MC66000(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC66100(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-235.png)
234 %
*
[MC66000(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC66100(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
%
*
[MC70000(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[MC70100(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[MC70200(ALL)01/96]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[MC70300(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[MC70400(ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[MC70500(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[MC70600(ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[MC70700(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC70800(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC70900(ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[MC71000(ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
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Index 275
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 13
Accessory position on the ignition..... 61
Additives, engine oil.......... 190
Air bag supplemental restraint system
and child safety seats......... 113
description............104, 106
driver air bag..........104, 106
indicator light............. 11
operation.............. 106
passenger air bag........... 106
service and information labels..... 106
tone generator............ 110
Air cleaner filter, specifications...... 237
Air conditioning, electronic automatic
temperature control system....... 49
Aluminum wheels............ 214
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)........... 21,43
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 196
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 133
see also Brake............ 133
warning light.............. 13
warninig light............. 12
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 245
Audio system (see Electronic
sound system)............. 21
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 63
Automatic transaxle
driving with............. 138
fluid, adding............. 201
fluid, checking............ 201
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278 Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
interior................ 233
interior lamps............. 233
plastic parts............. 231
polishing............... 230
rear windows.............. 56
rustproofing............. 231
safety belts.............. 234
tail lamps.............. 232
upholstery and interior trim...... 233
washing............... 230
waxing................ 230
wheels................ 232
windows................ 56
Clock................. 27,43
Clutch
fluid reservoir............ 193
operation while driving........ 147
recommended shift speeds....... 150
shifting the gears........... 148
Cold engine starting........... 127
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . 98, 100
Compact disc player (see Electronic
sound system)........... 22,28
Compact disc radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 22
Console, description............ 80
Controls, mirrors............. 78
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 169
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 196
preparing for storage......... 236
temperature gauge........... 18
warnings............... 196
Cooling fan............... 184
Crankcase emission filter......... 237
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 247
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada............ 252
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288 Index
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)....... 98
Seats
child safety seats........... 113
cleaning upholstery.......... 233
folding rear seats............ 96
head restraints............. 89
rear seat access............. 96
split-folding rear seat.......... 96
Serial number (VIN)........... 252
Service concerns............. 246
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing...... 184
servicing when you tow........ 179
Shift positions (see Gearshift).....138, 148
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)....... 98,100
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).... 100
Side mirrors............... 78
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)..... 74
Snow tires and chains.......... 214
Spare tire
changing the tire.........167, 170
conventional spare.......... 169
finding the spare........... 169
removing the spare tire........ 169
storing the flat tire........169, 171
temporary spare........... 168
Spark plugs, specifications........ 237
Speed control, turning off......... 72
Speedometer............... 19
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 125
starting a cold engine......... 127
starting after a collision........ 130
starting a warm engine........ 127
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 174
Steering, power............. 137
Steering wheel, locking........... 61
Storage compartments........... 80
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996