1996 Ford Probe Owners Manual

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Cleaning the Engine 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. 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. 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.

q The alternator, distributor and air intake must

be covered. Covering these components will help prevent water damage.

Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water getting into the engine may cause internal damage. Filling the Fuel Tank Fuel filler door release lever Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filler door release. To open the fuel filler door, pull up on the release lever which is located in front of the driver’s seat and near the door. Remote Fuel Filler-Lid Release Override If the release does not operate, open the hatchback, remove the trim on the left rear side, reach into the opening and pull the latch toward the rear (see the service manual for trim removal). You should wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges when you use the fuel filler-lid release override.

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Manual fuel filler-lid override (behind left rear trim panel in hatch) To fill the fuel tank: 1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove the cap carefully and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.

RWARNING

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound while disengaging the fuel cap, wait until it stops before completely removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.

2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel

filler pipe before pumping the fuel.

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NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of

your vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do not wash it off.

3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you

are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until it is tight. It will click when it is fully tightened.

4. Push the fuel door closed. If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.

RWARNING

If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a collision.

NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an

aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.

Choosing the Right Fuel Use only UNLEADED FUEL in your vehicle. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by federal law. Your warranty may not apply if your vehicle is damaged because you used the wrong fuel. Using a high-quality fuel makes your vehicle more responsive and maintain its good fuel economy and emissions. It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.

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Octane recommendations Your engine is designed to use fuel with an octane rating of 87. In most cases it is not necessary to use a fuel with an octane rating higher than 87. At service stations, the octane rating is displayed in a label on the pumps. Your 2.5L engine is designed to use fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. In some parts of the country “premium” grade fuels are sold with octane ratings of less than 91 especially in high altitude areas. We recommend that you use only those “premium” fuels with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using a fuel with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. However, see your dealer or a qualified service technician if persistent heavy knocking occurs because this can damage the engine.

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If your vehicle has problems with starting, rough idle or hesitation problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused by fuel with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service technician. Gasolines for clean air Fuels in certain areas of the country are required to contain oxygenates to improve air quality. Common oxygenates are ethanol or grain alcohol (blended at no more than 10%), methanol or wood alcohol (blended at no more than 5% with cosolvents and additives), and MTBE or methyl tertiary butyl ether (blended at no more than 15%). Reformulated fuel is also required in certain areas of the U.S. These fuels are designed to further reduce the emissions from your vehicle. Generally, you should not experience difficulties operating your vehicle on fuels containing oxygenates. We encourage you to use these fuels. Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels

RWARNING

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or mishandled.

q Turn vehicle off when refueling q Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are

extremely flammable.

q Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.

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RWARNING

Gasoline or gasoline blended with methanol can cause blindness and possible death when swallowed. If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control center immediately.

q Avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with soap and water. If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15
minutes, and seek medical attention.

Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals. If you are taking the medication “Antabuse” or other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result. Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse reaction. Running Out of Fuel NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse effect on modern powertrain components.

You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.

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Fuel Economy Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers (L/100K). Do not calculate fuel economy during your vehicle’s break-in period. This would not be an accurate estimate of how much fuel your vehicle will normally use. To calculate fuel economy: 1. Fill the tank completely and record the

initial odometer reading.

2. Every time you buy fuel record the

amount (in gallons or liters) purchased.

3. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the

fuel tank and record the final odometer reading.

4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel

economy:

q English: MPG = (total miles driven) 앦

(gallons used)

q Metric: L/100k = (liters used) 앦

(100 kilometers)

Comparisons With EPA Estimates EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve the fuel economy shown.

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The following decrease fuel economy: q Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance q Rapid acceleration and excessive speed q Driving with your foot on the brake

Sudden stops

q Extended engine idling q Using speed control in hilly terrain q Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories

q Underinflated tires q Heavy loads q Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or

luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.

Engine Oil Recommendations We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the container.

The API Certification Mark

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Never use:

“Non-Detergent” oils

q Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG q Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments

or engine treatments

Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are PREFERRED for your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel economy and engine protection for all climates down to -15˚F (-25˚C). Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be changed according to the maintenance schedule. Checking and Adding Engine Oil 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. Checking the engine oil level: 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.

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).

3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine

heat.

4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in

yellow) and carefully pull it out of the engine.

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5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into

position, making sure it is fully seated.

Engine oil dipstick 6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below the L line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the letter F, engine damage or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from the engine.

7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is

fully seated.

Adding engine oil It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your vehicle’s warranty coverage may not apply if engine damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil. Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.

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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever occurs first.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet for additional information. 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.

RWARNING

Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused cancer in laboratory mice.

Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.

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Engine Coolant Checking the engine coolant NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter.

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.

Inspect the coolant level with the dipstick attached to the reservoir cap. Remove the cap, wipe it clean and then put it back in the reservoir. Remove it again. The coolant level should be between L and F. If the coolant level is at or below the L line, add enough 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and water to bring the level to the F mark.

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Engine coolant recovery reservoir and dipstick Adding engine coolant

RWARNING

Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield washer fluid.

If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could make it difficult to see through the windshield. Add engine coolant only to the recovery reservoir — not to the radiator. If the coolant level is low, add to the engine coolant recovery reservoir container a 50/50 mixture of water and the type of coolant that Ford specifies. Check the coolant level again the next few times you drive your vehicle.

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RWARNING

Never remove the radiator cap or the coolant system cap while the engine is running or hot to avoid personal injury.

2.5L Engine Before removing either cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when removing the caps. 1. Locate the radiator breather cap and the

recovery reservoir cap in your engine compartment. The cap on the left is the radiator breather cap. The cap on the right is the recovery reservoir cap.

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the radiator breather cap and turn it slowly to relieve pressure.

3. Step back while the pressure releases. 4. When you are sure all the pressure has been

released, use the cloth to turn and remove cap.

5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may even splash out.

6. After the pressure has been released you may open the recovery reservoir cap and add engine coolant. Failure to follow this procedure could result in serious personal injury.

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2.0L Engine 1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you remove the radiator cap.

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth

around the cap and turn it slowly counterclockwise to the first stop.

3. Step back while the pressure releases. 4. When you are sure that all the pressure has

been released, use the cloth to turn and remove cap.

5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may even splash out.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or engine.

Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling system. Follow the recommended service interval for changing your engine coolant.

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NOTE: When you change or add engine

coolant, it is important to maintain your engine coolant concentration between 40% (-11˚F [-24˚C]) and 60% (-62˚F [-52˚C]), depending on your local climate conditions. Below 40% you will lose freeze protection and above 60% your engine may overheat on a warm day.

NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does

not meet all 14 requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use of an improper coolant may void your warranty for the engine cooling system. Use only a premium nationally recognized brand name engine coolant. Do not use alcohol or methanol anitifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will corrode.

Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process and chemicals. Use only Ford Rotunda recycled engine coolant or an equivalent recycled engine coolant that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. 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.

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Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will corrode. Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive during winter months. Keep an engine coolant in your engine that has a protection rating of at least -20˚F (-29˚C), or whatever protection rating is appropriate for the climate in which you live. To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle’s coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index. You may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as soon as possible. Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have to add a quart (liter) of engine coolant more than once a month. Engine coolant drain and flush The proper procedures to completely drain and flush the engine cooling system can be found in the Service Manual for your vehicle or you can see your dealer. See the order form located before this chapter. Follow these recommended procedures to ensure that your vehicle has the specified engine level and 50/50 mixture of cooling system fluid and water.

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Refilling the engine coolant — 2.0L engine When the entire engine cooling system is to be drained and refilled, use the following procedure: 1. Remove the radiator cap. 2. With the engine off and cool, add a 50/50

mixture of recommended engine cooling system fluid and water until the radiator is full.

3. Replace and fully tighten the radiator cap,

then unscrew the cap to the first stop.

4. Start and idle the engine until the radiator

upper hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is open and engine coolant is flowing through the entire system).

5. Shut the engine off and check the fluid level in the radiator. Add more fluid if necessary.

6. When the radiator is filled to the proper level, replace the coolant system cap and tighten both caps completely.

Refilling the engine coolant — 2.5L engine When the entire cooling system is to be drained and refilled, use the following procedure: 1. Locate the radiator breather cap and the

coolant system cap in your engine compartment. The cap on your right (driver’s side) is the radiator breather cap. The cap on your left (passenger’s side) is the coolant system cap.

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4. Replace the radiator breather cap and the coolant system cap and tighten to the first stop.

5. Start and idle the engine until the radiator

upper hose is warm. The warm hose indicates the thermostat is open and the engine coolant is flowing through the entire system.

6. Shut the engine off and check the fluid level

in the radiator through the coolant system cap opening. Add more fluid if necessary.

7. When the radiator is filled to the proper level, replace the coolant system cap and tighten both caps completely.

Checking hoses Check all engine and heater system hoses and hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and loose hose clamps as specified in the maintenance schedule. Repair or replace with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary. Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers Washer Fluid Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for the windshield washer fluid is located in the engine compartment. Visual inspection can determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate the washer when the reservoir is empty.

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Windshield washer fluid reservoir

RWARNING

Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for the engine coolant.

Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below 32˚F [0˚C]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades, and windshield washer system.

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Wiper blade maintenance 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. 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. 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. Wiper blade replacement If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them, you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent. To replace the wiper blades: 1. Pull the wiper arm away from the

windshield and lock into the service position.

2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper

arm. Push the lock pin with a screwdriver to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.

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3. Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm

and press it into place until you hear it click.

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Replacing the wiper blades Tires Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them. Always follow these precautions: q Keep your tires inflated to the recommended

pressures. Stay within the recommended load limits (see Load limits in the Index).

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q Make sure the weight of your load is evenly

distributed.

q Drive at safe speeds. If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go flat. Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.

RWARNING

Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle components.

At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle’s tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can find your vehicle’s proper tire inflation pressure on the tire decal on the right door lock pillar.

RWARNING

Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.

Tire inspection and maintenance Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails, glass or other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire, and make the necessary repairs.

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Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and checked. You may need to repair or replace it. Tire Rotation Because your vehicle’s front and rear tires perform different jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following diagram. Do not include the spare tire as part of your rotation. For tire rotation intervals, see the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. If you notice the tires wearing unevenly, have them checked.

Rotating the tires Replacing the Tires We recommend that you use the same size and type when making tire replacements. The standard model uses P195/65 R14 tires, and the GT model is equipped with P225/50VR16 tires. If your standard model vehicle is equipped with a 3-spoke aluminum wheel, you will need P205/55H R15 tires.

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Replace any tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.

A worn-out tire Because your vehicle’s tires may wear unevenly, you may need to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire tread. Some spots wear more heavily than others.

RWARNING

When replacing full size tires, never mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.

Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also affect the accuracy of your speedometer. Wheel and Tire Matching 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.

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Information About Tire Quality Grades 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. 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). U.S. Department of Transportation — 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. Treadwear 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 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.

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Traction A B C 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. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction. Temperature A B C 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. Warning: 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.

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Snow tires During the winter months in some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.

RWARNING

Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you currently have on your vehicle.

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: 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.

q Do not use tire chains if you have the GT

model.

q Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the

use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area before installing chains.

q Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions.

q Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)

or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.

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q Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive

carefully and avoid hard braking.

q Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may damage the vehicle and the tire. q Remove tire chains at the first opportunity

after using them on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.

Cleaning the Wheels 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. NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if

the brushes are abrasive.

If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of clean water. Battery 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. 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

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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. Battery replacement When the original equipment maintenance-free battery is replaced under warranty, it may be replaced by a low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte level should be checked at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up to 90˚F (32˚C) and more in temperatures above 90˚F (32˚C). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the level indicator. Do not overfill. 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. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery, you must allow the computer to “relearn” 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.

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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. Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal.

Battery recycling symbol

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.

RWARNING

To protect yourself when charging a battery, always shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.

RWARNING

Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and clothing.

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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.

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.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is not working properly — for instance, the transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid leakage — the fluid level should be checked. If you must check the transaxle fluid in an emergency, make sure that your vehicle is on level ground, start the engine, and move the gearshift through all of the gears allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the gearshift in P (Park). Set the parking brake and leave the engine running. Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube. Make sure the dipstick is fully seated in the filler tube; otherwise, you will not get an accurate reading. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.

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The fluid level must be above the lower mark. If it is not, you should not drive your vehicle until more fluid is added. Ideally, the fluid level should be within the specified area of the dipstick. NOTE: The fluid level indication on the

dipstick will be different at operating temperature and room temperature. For the correct fluid level reading on the dipstick, follow the appropriate instructions.

At normal operating temperature (approximately 20 miles [32 km] of vehicle operation), the level on the dipstick should be within the specified area on the “Safe level when hot” temperature scale. At room temperature, the level should be within the specified area on the “Safe level when cold” temperature scale. If your vehicle has not been operated for some time and outside temperature is below 50˚F (10˚C) the fluid must be warmed by running the engine.

Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick on 2.5L engine vehicles

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Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick on 2.0L engine vehicles If you must add transaxle fluid in an emergency, use only MERCON쑓 fluid, such as Motorcraft MERCON쑓 Multi-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. Manual Transaxle Fluid 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. 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.

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Constant Velocity Joints Inspect all rubber boots for signs of cracks, tears,