Page 233 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 231
*
[MC60900(ALL)01/96]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that contin FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 231
*
[MC60900(ALL)01/96]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that contin](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-232.png)
231
*
[MC60900(ALL)01/96]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its
dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.
*
[MC61000(ALL)01/96]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.
%*
[MC61100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC61200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC61300(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC61400(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC61500(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC61600(ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
*
[MC61700(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's side mouldings are
painted in lacquer, do not use thinners or
solvents to clean them.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
Page 234 of 288
![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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Page 237 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 235
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 235
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-236.png)
235
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[MC71500(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[MC71600(ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC71700(ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[MC71800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[MC71900(ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[MC72000(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[MC72100(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC72200(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
File:11prmcp.ex
Update:Thu May 16 12:08:53 1996
Page 246 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 w FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 w](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-245.png)
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
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Page 255 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 254
%*
[HS06400(ALL)05/96]
Getting Help Outside the U.S.
and Canada
*
[HS06500(ALL)05/96]
Before you export your vehicle to a foreign
country, contact the appropriate foreign embassy
or consulate to m FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 254
%*
[HS06400(ALL)05/96]
Getting Help Outside the U.S.
and Canada
*
[HS06500(ALL)05/96]
Before you export your vehicle to a foreign
country, contact the appropriate foreign embassy
or consulate to m](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-254.png)
254
%*
[HS06400(ALL)05/96]
Getting Help Outside the U.S.
and Canada
*
[HS06500(ALL)05/96]
Before you export your vehicle to a foreign
country, contact the appropriate foreign embassy
or consulate to make sure local regulations do
not prevent you from registering your vehicle.
Officials at the embassy can also help you decide
whether you should import your vehicle to that
country.
*
[HS06600(ALL)06/95]
Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you
where to get unleaded fuel. If you cannot get
unleaded fuel or can get only fuel with an
anti-knock index that is lower than your vehicle
needs, contact a district or owner relations office
before you leave the U.S. or Canada.
*
[HS06700(ALL)05/96]
Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a
proper conversion may damage the effectiveness
of your emissions control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford
Motor Company is not responsible for any
damage that is caused by use of improper fuel.
*
[HS06800(ALL)06/95]
You may also have difficulty importing your
vehicle back into the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
File:14prhsp.ex
Update:Wed May 15 15:04:50 1996
Page 275 of 288

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
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Page 276 of 288

280 Index
Engine
check engine warning light....... 15
does not start...........128, 130
fuel injected engine, starting...... 125
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 130
preparing to start........... 125
starting................ 126
starting after a collision........ 130
storing your vehicle.......... 234
Engine block heater........... 129
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 196
checking hoses............ 199
disposal...........184, 193, 203
preparing for storage......... 236
proper solution........184, 193, 203
temperature gauge........... 18
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 18
mechanical............... 18
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:electronic............. 18
Engine fan............... 184
Engine:idle speed control......... 128
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 191
checking and adding......... 191
dipstick............... 191
disposal...........184, 193, 203
engine oil pressure gauge........ 17
filter, specifications.......... 237
specifications............. 190
synthetic oil............. 190
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
viscosity............... 190
Exhaust fumes............. 130
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Page 277 of 288

Index 281
F
Fan.................. 184
engine fan, avoiding injury...... 184
Federal Communications Commission.... 45
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 5
Flashers, hazard............. 155
Flashing the lights............. 66
Flat tire................ 167
Foglamps................. 57
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 247
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 252
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 252
Foreign registration........... 254
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy....... 220
choosing the right fuel........ 217
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 215
filter, specifications.......... 237
fuel filler door release lever...... 215
fuel gauge............... 16
octane rating............. 217
quality................ 217
running out of fuel.......... 220
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 219
storing your vehicle.......... 235
treating emergencies......... 219
Fuel cap
removing.............. 215
replacing.............215, 217
Fuel filler door
remote release............ 215
Fuel filter, specifications......... 237
Fuel gauge................ 16
File:prixp.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 11:04:36 1996