Page 140 of 288
![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 137
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make su FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 137
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make su](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-139.png)
137
*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[GF02300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[GF02400(ALL)01/96]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[GF02500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF02600(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
%
*
[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
[GF02900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering.
Power steering uses energy from the engine to
help steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF03000(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
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![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 143
*
[GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF05500(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]
When to FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 143
*
[GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF05500(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]
When to](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-145.png)
143
*
[GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Once the gearshift is secure in the desired
position, release the brake pedal and use the
accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF05500(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]
When to use Overdrive (D with Overdrive
activated)
[GF05700(ALL)01/96]
Overdrive is the usual driving position for an
automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same
way Drive (Overdrive OFF) works, automatically
upshifting or downshifting as the vehicle speeds
or slows.
[GF05800(ALL)01/96]
However, Overdrive also shifts into a fourth
gear Ðan overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at a consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[GF05850(ALL)05/96]
Cancelling Overdrive
[GF05900(ALL)05/96]
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears while you are
driving on hilly roads, select Drive (Overdrive
OFF) by cancelling Overdrive as outlined below.
[GF06100(ALL)01/96]
The Overdrive Off (O/D OFF) button is located
on the gearshift. The Overdrive Off (O/D OFF)
light is located in the instrument cluster.
[GF06200(ALL)01/96]
The O/D OFF light is not illuminated during
normal vehicle operation. This allows the
transaxle to upshift and downshift from 1st
through 4th gears. When the O/D OFF button is
pressed, Overdrive is cancelled and the O/D
OFF light in the instrument cluster illuminates.
When the O/D OFF light is illuminated, the
transaxle will upshift and downshift from 1st
through 3rd gears.
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![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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![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 145
*
[GF06900(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) to help drive up moderately
steep hills or when starting on slick surfaces. It
prevents the transaxle from frequentl FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 145
*
[GF06900(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) to help drive up moderately
steep hills or when starting on slick surfaces. It
prevents the transaxle from frequentl](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-147.png)
145
*
[GF06900(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
Use Second (2) to help drive up moderately
steep hills or when starting on slick surfaces. It
prevents the transaxle from frequently shifting
up and down. It also gives more engine braking
than Overdrive or Drive when going down hills.
[GF07100(ALL)01/96]
Do not go faster than 64 mph (102 km/h) with
the gearshift in the Second (2) position. If you
shift from Overdrive or Drive to Second because
of hilly terrain, your transaxle will automatically
downshift in the proper sequence.
*
[GF07200(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07300(ALL)01/96]
When your vehicle is in First (1), it gives more
engine braking to slow your car than Drive (D
with Overdrive OFF) on downgrades.
[GF07400(ALL)01/96]
Do not go faster than 32 mph (50 km/h) in this
gear. You can upshift from First (1) into D
Position at any speed. If you shift from
Overdrive or Drive to First (1) because of hilly
terrain, your transaxle will automatically
downshift in the proper sequence.
[GF07500(ALL)04/96]
Reverse
[GF07600(ALL)01/96]
In the Reverse (R) position, the vehicle moves
only backward. Your vehicle must be stopped
before shifting into Reverse (R).
[GF07700(ALL)04/96]
Neutral
[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
In Neutral (N), the wheels of the transaxle are
not locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on
the slightest incline, unless the parking brake or
brakes are on.
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![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 the FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 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 the](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-176.png)
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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![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 178
*
[ER13100(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER13200(ALL)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderat FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 178
*
[ER13100(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER13200(ALL)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderat](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-180.png)
178
*
[ER13100(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER13200(ALL)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderate speed.
*
[ER13300(ALL)02/96]
2. Let the discharged battery charge for a few
minutes and then start the disabled vehicle.
It may take a couple of tries before the
vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start
after several attempts, there may be a
different problem.
*
[ER13400(ALL)02/96]
3. When both vehicles are running, let them
idle for a few minutes to charge the
discharged battery.
%*
[ER13500(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
[ER13600(ALL)01/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in
reverse order.Remove the negative (-) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER13700(ALL)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER13800(ALL)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER13900(ALL)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER14000(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
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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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![FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 191 %
*
[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each tim FORD PROBE 1997 2.G Owners Manual 191 %
*
[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC06600(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each tim](/manual-img/11/5321/w960_5321-192.png)
191 %
*
[MC06500(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[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:
*
[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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