Ford 1996 Aspire, Aspire User Manual

Table of Contents

Introductory Information .........................................1

Safety Restraints.......................................................11

Starting Your Aspire...............................................41

Warning Lights and Gauges .................................55

Instrument Panel Controls.....................................67

Steering Column Controls.....................................81

Features.......................................................................91

Electronic Sound Systems....................................107

Driving Your Aspire .............................................119

Roadside Emergencies ..........................................137

Customer Assistance..............................................153

Reporting Safety Defects.................................160

Accessories...............................................................165

Servicing Your Aspire...........................................173

Quick Index.............................................................247

Index..........................................................................257

Service Station Information -- 1.3L Engine.....276

1

Introductory Information

At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the
continuous commitment to achieve the best
result possible. It is dedication to learning what
you want, determination to develop the right
concept, and execution of that concept with care,
precision, and attention to detail. In short,
excellence means being the standard by which
others are judged.

Our Guiding Principles

❑

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the
quality of our products and services must be
our number one priority.

❑

You are the focus of everything we do. Our
work must be done with you in mind,
providing better products and services than
our competition.

❑

Continuous improvement is essential to our
success. We must strive for excellence in

everything we do: in our products — in their
safety and value — and in our services, our
human relations, our competitiveness, and
our profitability.

❑

Employee involvement is our way of life.
We are a team. We must treat one another
with trust and respect.

❑

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We
must maintain mutually beneficial
relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our
other business associates.

2

❑

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct
worldwide must be pursued in a manner that
is socially responsible and commands respect
for its integrity and for its positive
contributions to society.

This Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new
vehicle. This guide has information about the
equipment and the options for your new vehicle.
You may not have bought all of the options
available to you. If you do not know which
information applies to your vehicle, talk to your
dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives
specifications for equipment that was in effect
when this guide was approved for printing. Ford
may discontinue models or change specifications
or design without any notice and without
incurring obligation.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about

the subject matter you are referencing.
WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful

in those areas where carelessness can cause
damage to your vehicle or personal injury to
yourself, your passengers or other people. Please
read all WARNINGS carefully.

RWARNING

3

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the Quick Index, Table of Contents, or the
Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.

4

Your vehicle is covered by three types of
warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended

Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions
Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully
to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and
your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you
can get a new one free of charge. Contact any
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the
addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this owner guide.

Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan

If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can
buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your
vehicle. This optional contract provides service
protection for a longer period of time than the
basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.

You do not have to buy this option when you
buy your vehicle. However, your option to
purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs
out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your
dealer for more details about the Ford Extended
Service Plan.

If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not
take advantage of the Ford Extended Service
Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be
eligible. See your dealer for the details.

5

Number (VIN)

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the
same as the warranty number that appears on
your owner card. You should include this
number any time you write to Ford Motor
Company about your vehicle.

The Vehicle Identification Number is attached to
your vehicle in the following places:

❑

on the metal tag attached to the top of the
cowl top panel on the driver’s side — you
can see the tag by looking through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. It is
recessed in the top of the instrument panel.

❑

on the Safety Compliance Certification label
— this label is attached to the left door lock
pillar. It is required by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration and is made of
special material. If someone tampers with it,
it will be destroyed or a series of diagonal
lines will appear.

6

Safety Compliance Certification label location

The label contains the name of the manufacturer,
the month and year of manufacture, the
certification statement and the Vehicle
Identification Number. The label also contains
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle
Weight Ratings, wheel and tire data and
information codes for additional vehicle data.
For further information about the Safety
Compliance Certification Label and the
information contained on it, refer to the Index.

Federal Highway Administration
Regulation

Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA),
and/or state and local laws and regulations may
require additional equipment for the way you
intend to use the vehicle. It is the responsibility
of the registered owner to determine the

7

applicability of such laws and regulations to
your intended use for the vehicle, and to
arrange for the installation of required
equipment. Your Ford dealer has information
about the availability of many items of
equipment which may be ordered for your
vehicle.

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.

❑

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:

— Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop.
— Begin braking well in advance.
— Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

❑

Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends. See Engine oil recommendations

in the Index. Do not use special “break-in”
oils.

8

Vehicle

Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle

Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a mild detergent.

DO NOT:

❑

Wash your vehicle with hot water

❑

Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight

❑

Wash your vehicle while the body is hot

Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage
the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your
vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.

Take similar precautions if your vehicle is
exposed to chemical industrial fallout.

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.

Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.

9

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts

Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.

Cleaning Plastic Parts

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.

Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.

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.

11

Safety Restraints

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

❑

the seatback is upright

❑

the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

❑

the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

❑

the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

❑

the knees are straight forward

To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in
the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.

RWARNING

Make sure that you and your passengers
wear safety belts. Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.

12

RWARNING

Never wear the shoulder belt under the
arm. Never swing it around the neck over
the inside shoulder. Never use a single
belt for more than one person or across
more than one seating position. Each
seating position in your vehicle has a
specific safety belt assembly which is
made up of one buckle and one tongue
that are designed to be used as a pair.
Failure to follow these precautions could
increase the risk and/or severity of injury
in a collision.

RWARNING

Never drive or ride with a twisted or
jammed safety belt. If you cannot untwist
or unjam the safety belt, see the nearest
qualified technician immediately.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.

Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to
lessen the risk of the door coming open in a
collision.

13

Belts

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination
lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap/shoulder belt locks
and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door
and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position
that suits you best.

To fasten the belt, pull the combination
lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the
shoulder portion of the belt crosses your
shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not
twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert the belt
tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a
snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is
securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on
tongue.

Fastening the safety belt

Adjust the lap part of the belt by pulling up on
the shoulder belt until the lap belt fits snugly
and as low as possible around your hips.

14

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Important Safety Belt Information at
the beginning of this chapter.

Unfastening the combination lap/shoulder belts — front
and rear outboard seating positions

While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its
original position to prevent it from striking you
or the vehicle.

Passenger Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt
Retractors (Dual Locking Modes)

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of
the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for all
passengers.

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two
ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will allow the occupant freedom of
movement, locking tight only on hard braking,
hard cornering, or impacts of approximately
5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also
be made to lock by pulling on the belt.

15

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will be automatically locked and will
remain locked when the combination
lap/shoulder safety belt is buckled, and does not
allow the occupant freedom of movement. This
mode provides the following:

❑

A tight lap/shoulder belt on the occupant.

❑

Child safety seat installation.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be
placed in the front seats.

This mode must be used when installing a child
safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear
outboard seats where dual locking retractors are
provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency
locking mode to the automatic locking mode,
perform the following steps:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted, and when allowed to retract, a
clicking sound will be heard. At this time,
the belt retractor is in the automatic locking
mode (child restraint mode).

3. A clicking sound will continue to be heard
as the belt is allowed to retract. This
indicates that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode.

16

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to
retract completely, the retractor will
switch to the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode. See the
detailed instructions under Safety Seats
for Children in this chapter.

Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too
short even when it is fully extended. You can
add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length
with a safety belt extension assembly (part
number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are
available at no cost from your dealer.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.

Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.

17

Cleaning the Safety Belts

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.

System (SRS)

The driver and right front passenger air bags are
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided
at these seating positions in addition to the
lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to
supplement the protection provided to properly
belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal
collisions. The supplemental air bag system does
not provide restraint to the lower body.

The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts

RWARNING

Safety belts must be worn by all vehicle
occupants to be properly restrained and
help reduce the risk of injury in a
collision.

RWARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the
driver, should always wear their safety
belts, even when an air bag Supplemental
Restraint System is provided.

18

There are four very important reasons to use
safety belts even with an air bag system. Use
your safety belts to:

❑

help keep you in the proper position (away
from the air bag) when it inflates

❑

reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or
rear impact collisions, because an air bag is
not designed to inflate in such situations

❑

reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions
that are not severe enough to activate the
supplemental air bag

❑

reduce the risk of being thrown from your
vehicle

The Importance of Being Properly Seated

In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely
fast to help provide additional protection for
you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate
with considerable force. If you are not seated in
a normal riding position with your back against
the seatback, the air bag may not protect you
properly and could possibly hurt you as it
inflates.

RWARNING

If a passenger is not properly seated and
restrained, an inflating air bag could cause
serious injury.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be
placed in the front seat.

19

In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is
closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly
inflating air bag could push the top of the
rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback or
center armrests (if so equipped), or center
console (if so equipped). REAR-FACING
INFANT CARRIERS MUST ALWAYS BE
SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child
safety seats and infant seats should be secured in
the rear seat whenever possible.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.

The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests, or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.

20

RWARNING

Do not place objects or mount equipment
on or near the air bag cover on the
steering wheel or in front seat areas that
may come in contact with a deploying air
bag. Failure to follow this instruction may
increase the risk of personal injury in the
event of a collision.

For further information about the proper
mounting of equipment in the front seat of this
vehicle, please refer to Ford’s brochure entitled

Some Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System which can be

obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356.
Ask for brochure FPS-8602.

For additional important safety information on
the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and
infant seats, please read the other sections of this
chapter of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitled Safety Belts for Children and Safety Seats

for Children.

How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of the Driver and Passenger air bags,
impact sensors, a system diagnostic module, a
readiness light and tone, and the electrical
wiring which connects the components. The
diagnostic module monitors its own internal
circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical
system readiness, including crash sensors, the
system wiring, the air bag readiness light, the air
bag back up power, and the supplemental air
bag ignitors.

21

The driver air bag is in the center of the steering
wheel. The front passenger seat air bag is
located in the center section of the instrument
panel ledge above the glove compartment. Both
air bags are designed to stay out of sight until
they are activated.

Location of air bags and warning labels

If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the
severity of the impact and activate the air bags if
necessary. The air bag system is designed to
deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions
more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of
similar size and weight) head-on at about
28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses
the crash severity rather than vehicle speed,

22

some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph
(45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.

When the sensors activate the system, the air
bags inflate rapidly, filling with non-toxic
nitrogen gas in a fraction of a second.
Immediately after inflation, the air bags deflate
by releasing the nitrogen gas through vent holes.
The whole process takes place in a matter of
seconds.

RWARNING

Air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.

Inflated driver air bag

23

Inflated passenger air bag

RWARNING

If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG
WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.

To ensure that the air bag system will operate as
intended in a crash, the system is equipped with
a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness
lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag
electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the
air bag power and the air bag inflators.

24

The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.

A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:

❑

the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,

❑

or it will not light immediately after ignition
is turned on,

❑

or a group of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.

RWARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by
qualified personnel.

25

Safety Restraints for Children

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law
to use safety restraints for children. If small
children ride in your vehicle — this generally
includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or
less — you must put them in safety seats that
are made specially for children. Safety belts
alone do not provide maximum protection for
these children. Check your local and state laws
for specific requirements.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure
children sit where they can be properly
restrained.

RWARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and safety belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a safety belt properly.

26

When possible, put children in the rear seat of
your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in the front
seating positions.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a
vehicle that has been closed up in sunny
weather; they could burn a small child.
Check seat covers and buckles before you
place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your
vehicle.

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the
size and weight of the child. Always follow the
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when
installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat
having a top tether strap. Install the child safety
seat in a seating position which is capable of
providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps see Attaching
Safety Seats With Tether Straps in this chapter.

27

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to
use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating
position, and make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front
passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great
force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front
passengers, especially children and small adults,
must never sit on the front edge of the seat,
stand near the glove compartment of the
instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag
cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants
should sit with their backs against the seatback,
move the seat to the most rearward position if
possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should
use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.

The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.

All child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the
lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

28

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety
seat, the child occupying the seat may be
injured during a collision or sudden stop.
An unsecured safety seat could also injure
other passengers.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

RWARNING

Always keep the buckle release button
pointing upward and away from the child
seat, with the tongue between the child
seat and the release button as shown in
the following illustration.

29

Safety belt buckle placement for child seats

Using the Dual Locking Mode Retractor
When Installing a Child Safety Seat

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portoin of
the front passenger seat and both rear seats. The
automatic locking mode must be used when
installing a child seat or infant carrier in the
front passenger seat or rear seats.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or
infant carrier in the right front passenger
seat.

30

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

If you choose to install a child safety seat in the
front seat, move the seat as far back as possible.

1. Position the child seat or infant carrier on
the passenger seat of the vehicle.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp
shoulder belt and lap belt together. See
Figure 1.

Grasping the shoulder and lap belt together

31

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt
portions together, route the tongue through
the child seat according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be
sure the belt webbing is not twisted, and
insert the tongue into the buckle. See
Figure 3.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

32

Buckling the belt

4. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and a click is heard. At this time,
the retractor is in the automatic locking
mode (child seat restraint mode). See
Figure 4.

33

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

5. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the
shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be
heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the
retractor is in the automatic locking mode.
Push down on the child seat while you pull
up on the belt to remove any slack in the
belt. See Figures 5 and 6.

34

Checking that the seat is secure

Removing slack from the belt

35

Removing slack from the belt

6. Before placing the child in the child seat,
forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and
tug it forward to make sure that the seat is
securely held in place. See Figure 7.

7. Double-check that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode. Try to pull more
belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the
belt is in the automatic locking mode. See
Figure 8.

36

Checking that retractor is in automatic locking mode

8. Check to make sure that the child seat is
properly secured prior to each use. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4
through 7.

NOTE: To remove the retractor from the
automatic lock mode, allow the seat belt to
retract fully to its stowed position and the
retractor will automatically switch back to the
vehicle sensitive locking mode for normal adult
usage.

37

Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps

Some manufacturers make safety seats that
include a tether strap that goes over the back of
the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring
point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap
as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of
your child safety seat for information about
ordering a tether strap.

Front Seats

To install a tether from a child safety seat in the
front seat:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt in the right rear
seat.

2. Pull all the stored belt out of the rear seat
retractor to switch the retractor to automatic
locking mode.

3. Let the retractor wind up the slack from the
lap/shoulder belt.

4. Install the child safety seat in the front seat.
Refer to the previous section on Installing
Safety Seats. Hook the tether strap hook
around the webbing near the center of the
shoulder portion of the locked lap/shoulder
belt.

5. Tighten the tether strap.

Rear Seats

If you use a tethered safety seat on one of the
rear seats, you can anchor the strap to the
appropriate tether anchor directly behind that
seat position.

38

Tether Anchorage Hardware

All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a
tether anchor hardware kit for use with
Canadian child safety seats.

Your vehicle has two tether attachment locations
in the luggage compartment. To access the tether
attachment locations, you must pry off the caps.

Be sure to follow the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.

RWARNING

Tighten the anchor according to
specifications. Otherwise, the safety seat
may not be properly secured and the child
may be injured in a sudden stop or
collision.

Installing and positioning the anchor bracket

39

Install the hardware for anchoring the tether
following the instructions in the tether anchorage
hardware kit. When attaching the anchor bracket
to the anchor, position the anchor bracket
straight up.

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats
should always wear safety belts. (See instructions
with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer,
to determine maximum size of child that will
safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and
adjusted as described, the risk of serious
injury to the child in a collision will be
much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and
shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does
not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or
neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder
belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the
vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt
fit.

40

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all
Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and
provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that
encourages safer seating posture and better fit of
lap and shoulder belts on the child. A
belt-positioning booster should be used if the
shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or
neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on
both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let
the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion
when the lower legs hang over the edge of the
seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the
specific needs of your child with your
pediatrician.

RWARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with
a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and
shoulder belts should always be worn snugly
and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

41

Starting Your Aspire

Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The ignition has four positions. They are: LOCK,
ACC, ON, and START.

Ignition lock cylinder (manual transaxle)

Ignition lock cylinder (automatic transaxle)

42

LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic transaxle).

LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.

If your key is stuck in the LOCK position and
will not turn, move your steering wheel left or
right until the key turns freely.

If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, you must
push the key toward the steering column to
rotate the switch to the LOCK position.

ACC (accessory) allows some of your vehicle’s
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.

ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.

43

Shift-lock System

For your safety, the optional automatic transaxle
has a shift-lock system, which prevents shifting
the transaxle out of the P (Park) position without
depressing the brake pedal when the ignition
key is in the ON position.

To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Push in the thumb lock button and move the
gearshift lever.

4. See Emergency Override System later in this
section for more information.

NOTE: When the ignition key is in the ACC

or LOCK position, the transaxle cannot
be shifted from the P (Park) position.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly
depressed and released when the
ignition is in the ON position and the
selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, a chattering near the gearshift
lever may be heard. This is not a
malfunction.

NOTE: Your vehicle’s gearshift lever is

securely latched in P (Park) if you
cannot move it without pushing in the
thumb button. Keep the brake pedal
depressed while moving your gearshift
lever.

To make the system more effective, the ignition
key cannot be removed unless the gearshift
selector lever is in the P (Park) position.

44

Emergency Override System

Your vehicle has a cap covering the override
mechanism for the shift-lock feature. If you have
to use the override procedure to move the
gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position,
follow these instructions:

1. Remove the shift-lock override cap with a 1“
or longer screwdriver.

2. Insert the screwdriver into the shift-lock
override opening and push the screwdriver
handle down.

Operating the shift-lock override mechanism

45

3. Push and hold the thumb button.

4. Move the gearshift lever.

If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titled Servicing Your Aspire in
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.

RWARNING

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.

Ignition Key Chime

If the driver or passenger door is open while the
key is still in the ignition, a warning chime
sounds.

Removing the Key From the Ignition

1. Put the gearshift selector lever in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) (manual
transaxle).

2. Set the parking brake fully.

3. Push the key in (manual transaxle) and turn
it to the LOCK position.

4. Remove the key.

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).

46

RWARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when

you have problems getting your vehicle started.
See Starting Your Engine in this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.

47

Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding
Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.

Before you start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. See Safety Restraints
in the Index for more details.

2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.

3. If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.

that the parking brake is fully set, push the
clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key. (Remember, the starter will operate

only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the
way to the floor.)

Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the Warning
Lights and Gauges chapter.

48

To test the brake warning light, release the
parking brake and turn the ignition key to the
START position. The brake warning light should
illuminate until the key is released. See the
Warning Lights and Gauges chapter for additional
information.

After starting the engine, check all the warning
lights to make sure that they are off. If any one
of them is still lit, it indicates a situation that
needs your attention. When you release the
parking brake, the brake warning light should
go off.

Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start

Your Vehicle and under Testing the Warning
Lights at the beginning of this section.

2. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn
the ignition key to the ON position.

3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.

rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.

49

For a cold engine:

❑

At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If
the engine does not start in fifteen (15)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.

❑

At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the
engine does not start in five (5) seconds on
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine:

❑

Do not hold the key in the START position
for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.

After starting, allow the engine to idle for a few
seconds before driving away.

NOTE: Automatic transaxle equipped vehicles

have an interlock that prevents you
from shifting out of P (Park) unless
your foot is on the brake pedal.

If the engine does not start after two attempts:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.

50

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.

4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.

5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel
Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter.

A computer system controls the engine’s idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.

If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.

RWARNING

Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.

RWARNING

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.

51

Using the Engine Block Heater
(If equipped)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-10˚F (-23˚C) or below. An engine block heater

warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.

To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.

RWARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.

Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision

Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch

If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device intended to stop the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
major jolt.

52

Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle.

The reset switch on your vehicle is located in a
small compartment on the left side of the
luggage compartment.

The location of the fuel pump shut-off switch (U.S. vehicle
shown — Canadian vehicles similar)

RWARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.

53

If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or major jolt:

1. Turn the key in the ignition to the LOCK
position.

2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.

3. If you do not see or smell fuel, remove the
door covering the fuel pump shut-off switch
compartment by pressing the tab toward the
rear seat. Push down the red reset button on
the fuel pump shut-off switch.

4. Attempt to start your vehicle. If the vehicle
starts, let it run a few seconds, then turn the
key to the LOCK position.

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again. If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding
Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

54

RWARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:

❑

your vehicle is raised for service

❑

the sound of the exhaust system changes

❑

your vehicle has been damaged in a collision

Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

If you must allow your engine to idle for long
periods of time, be sure you are in an open area
and open the windows at least one inch
(25 mm). Also, adjust the heating or air
conditioning to bring in outside air.

If you are using the heater, set the fan speed on
1, 2, or 3 with the function lever on the position
of your choice and the air door control lever in
the fresh (outside air) position.

If you are using the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on 1, 2, or 3 with the function lever in the
position of your choice. Set the air door control
lever in the fresh (outside air) position.

55

Warning Lights and
Gauges

The following lights and gauges are on the
instrument cluster. All of the warning lights and
gauges alert you to possible problems with your
vehicle. The following section details what each
of these indicators means.

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
a standard cluster.

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Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

Safety belt light

This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt under the following
conditions:

❑

If the safety belt is not buckled when the
ignition is turned to the ON position, the
chime will turn on for four (4) to eight (8)
seconds and the light will come on for at
least 60 seconds.

❑

If the safety belt is buckled while the light is
on and the chime is sounding, both the light
and chime will turn off.

❑

If the safety belt is buckled before the
ignition is turned to the ON position, neither
the light nor the chime will come on.

59

Brake System Warning Light

Brake system and parking brake light

This light comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition key to START or ON. It
normally goes off shortly after the engine starts
and after you release the parking brake.
However, it may stay on for up to 60 seconds. If
the light doesn’t illuminate after the engine is
started, stays on for longer than 60 seconds, or
comes on after you have fully released the
parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system
checked.

This light will also come on if the parking brake
does not release fully. If it does stay on after the
parking brake is fully released, it means there
may be a brake problem. Pull off the road and
stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push, the pedal may go closer to the
floor, or it may take longer to stop the vehicle.
Try the brakes again after you have stopped.

Your vehicle has a divided brake system. If one
part isn’t working, the other part can still work
and stop the vehicle. For good braking, you
need both systems working well. If the warning
light goes on, there could be a problem. Have
the brake system inspected right away.

60

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.

Charging System Light

This light, shown as a battery symbol on your
cluster, indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.

Charging system light

This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.

If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.

61

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low oil pressure, not low oil
level. However, if the engine’s oil level is low, it
could affect the oil pressure. This light comes on
every time the ignition key is turned to ON or
START, but it normally turns off when the
engine starts.

Engine oil pressure light

If the light stays on or turns on while the engine
is running:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately. Continued
operation could cause severe engine damage.

3. Check the engine oil level. Make sure the car
is on level ground.

4. Add oil to the full mark on the dipstick
before you drive your car again. Do not
overfill. Do not operate the engine when the
oil light is on. For more information about
adding oil, see Engine oil recommendations in
the Index.

RWARNING

Do not rely on the oil light to tell you
when the oil is low. Have the oil checked
often. It is possible for damage to occur if
an engine is operated with a low oil level.

62

High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.

High beam light

Check Engine Warning Light

This light comes on when the electronic engine
control system is not working properly. This is
the computer system that controls the operating
conditions of the engine.

Check engine warning light

This light comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition to the ON position, but should turn off
when the engine starts. If the light does not
come on when you turn the ignition to the ON
position or if it comes on and stays on when
you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. This indicates a possible
problem with one of the engine’s emission
control systems. You do not need to have your

vehicle towed in.

63

If the light turns on and off briefly while you
are driving, it means that the condition is no
longer present.

Air Bag Readiness Light

This light illuminates for six seconds when the
ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash, remains on,
or if a series of five beeps is heard, have the
system serviced as soon as possible.

Air bag readiness light

Rear Window Defroster Indicator Light
(If equipped)

When the rear window defroster is activated, the
indicator light in the instrument cluster
illuminates. After the rear window is clear, push
the defroster switch to turn off the defroster. The
light in the cluster goes out.

Rear window defroster indicator light

64

Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
(If equipped)

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake system warning
light comes on. When the engine is started, the
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control unit
determines if all components of the system are
operating correctly. The warning light could
remain on up to 60 seconds.

Anti-lock brake system light

RWARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock

system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.

65

NOTE: If your vehicle must be jump-started

because of a low battery, the Anti-Lock
Brake System warning light could
remain on. This is due to low battery
voltage and does not indicate a
malfunction in the system. Under these
circumstances, you should drive your
vehicle only after the battery has had
time to charge and the light has gone
out.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel you have in the fuel tank.

The ignition must be turned off while putting
fuel in the tank in order to get a correct fuel
gauge reading after the ignition is turned on.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while
the vehicle is in motion. This is the result of fuel
movement within the tank. You can get a more
accurate reading with the vehicle on smooth,
level ground.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.

The pointer usually moves from C (cold) into
the NORMAL band as your vehicle warms up.
Under most driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the NORMAL band. If you are
driving in heavy traffic or on an extended grade
in hot weather, the pointer may reach to the top
of the NORMAL band.

66

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool.

4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine. (See Engine coolant in the
Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.

5. Add as much coolant as your engine needs.
If the engine continues to overheat, have the
coolant system serviced.

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip
odometer to zero by pushing the reset button.

67

Instrument Panel Controls

The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

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69

Heating Only System (Without Air
Conditioning)

Function selector

The heater controls in your car use levers to
control air direction and temperature. Fan speed
is controlled by a separate knob in the control
panel. The function selector lever lets you
control the direction of airflow.

Heating only system control panel

The symbols above the function selector lever
tell you where the air is being directed when the
lever is set to that position on the heater control
panel.

70

Function selector lever

V The position furthest to the right is for
defrosting the windows only. Air will be
directed out the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and side window defogger vents.

T The second position from the right (Mix) lets
you direct air through the defrosters and
through the floor outlets.

R The center position (Floor) directs air only to
the floor.

S The second position from the left
(Panel-Floor) directs air to the floor, and out the
instrument panel vents. You can “aim” the air
coming from the vents by moving the
instrument panel vents.

Q The position furthest to the left (Panel)
directs air out of the instrument panel vents
only.

Air door control lever

The air door control lever lets you choose
outside air or recirculated air from inside the
passenger area. Moving the lever all the way left
to the M symbol closes the door and inside
air is recirculated. Moving the lever all the way
to the right to the N symbol opens the door
and outside air is drawn in. Use the fresh air
position for most conditions. When the air door

control lever is in the recirculate position (far

71

left), window fogging can occur. Use the

recirculate position only to improve air
conditioning performance when fresh air cooling
is inadequate, or for short periods to try to keep
out odors from the outside.

NOTE: Do not use the recirculate position

when window fogging occurs.

Air door control lever

Temperature control lever

The air temperature can be adjusted by moving
the lever into the red area for warm air or into
the blue area for unheated air.

Temperature control lever

Fan

H

Fan speed can be controlled by turning the
fan speed control knob from OFF through 3
(high speed).

72

Turning On the Heat

1. Move the temperature control lever all the

way into the red area.

2. Move the function selector lever to direct air

to the floor R.

3. Leave the air door control lever in the fresh

air position N or the windows may fog
up in cold weather.

4. Set the fan speed

H

to the desired speed.

As the interior warms up, select a slower fan
speed or move the temperature control lever
toward the blue area to keep a comfortable
setting.

Defrosting the Windshield and Side
Windows

1. Set the temperature control lever all the way

to the right in the red area.

2. Set the function selector lever to the V

(defrost) position.

3. Set the air door control lever to the right

N (fresh air) position.

4. Set the

H

(fan speed) to the highest speed.
The fan speed can be adjusted to maintain
fog free windows after they are cleared.

Heating and Defrosting at the Same Time

1. Set the desired temperature and fan speed.

2. Move the function selector lever to the S
(mix) position and move the air door control
lever to the right.

73

Ventilating Your Vehicle With Outside Air

On mild days, you may want to ventilate your
vehicle with outside air. To open the vents:

1. Move the function selector lever to the Q
(panel) position.

2. Move the air door control lever to the N
(fresh air) position.

3. Set the fan

H

speed as desired.

Tips for Controlling the Temperature in
Your Vehicle

❑

To vary the temperature inside your vehicle,
move the temperature selector toward the red
area for warmer air and toward the blue area
for cooler air.

❑

If you drive with the fan off and the
windows closed, the windows may fog up.
To prevent fogging:

1. Set the function selector lever to the V
(defrost) position.

2. Set the desired temperature.

3. Set the desired

H

speed.

4. Always use the N (fresh air) setting on
the air door control lever.

❑

Do not put objects under the front seats that
will interfere with the flow of air to the back
seats.

❑

Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the
area below the windshield on the outside of
your vehicle. They could block the air intake.

74

Air Conditioning System (If equipped)

Air distribution is controlled the same way as in
the heater system described above.

The air conditioner switch is located on the
climate control panel. To turn on the air
conditioner, push the A/C button. An indicator
light will come on. To turn off the air
conditioner, push the button again. The fan must
also be on for the A/C to operate.

Air conditioning system control panel

To get maximum cooling from the air
conditioner:

1. Move the function selector lever to the Q
(panel) position.

2. Set the temperature control lever all the way
to the blue area.

3. Close the air door by moving the air door
control lever to the M (recirculate)
position.

4. Push the A/C button.

5. Set the

H

speed on its highest setting.

75

NORM A/C

When maximum air conditioning is not needed,
using outside air instead of recirculated air can
be quieter, but it is less efficient. To cool your
car with outside air:

1. Move the function selector lever to the Q
(panel) position.

2. Set the air door control lever to the N
(fresh air) position.

3. Set the temperature control lever all the way
in the blue area.

4. Push the A/C button.

5. Set the

H

speed as desired.

Defrosting the windshield

You can clear a fogged windshield more quickly
by pushing the A/C button to the ON position
after completing steps 1 through 3 of the
Defrosting the Windshield and Side Windows. After
the windshield is clear, push the A/C button off.

Tips for Better Fuel Economy

On mild days, ventilate with outside air. You
will get better fuel economy without using the
air conditioning.

On hot days, close the air door M when using
the air conditioner. The air conditioner works
harder to cool outside air than recirculated air.

Air Conditioning Operation

If your vehicle has been parked with the
windows closed during hot weather, drive for a
few minutes with the windows open and the air
conditioner on. This forces most of the warm air
out of the vehicle.

76

Sometimes you may notice slight engine surging
if you have the air conditioner on. This is
normal, as the system is designed to cycle the
compressor on and off to maintain desired
cooling. The reduced compressor operation
should benefit fuel economy.

On some vehicles with air conditioning,
wide-open throttle acceleration will temporarily
cut off the air conditioning.

Since the air conditioner removes a lot of
moisture from the air during operation, it is
normal for water to drip on the pavement under
the air conditioner drain after you have stopped
the vehicle.

Engine Idle Speed Control System

Genuine Ford air conditioning (either
factory-installed or dealer-installed) has an
engine idle speed control system that
compensates for engine speed loss that may
occur when the air conditioning compressor is
running. This idle speed control holds the engine
idle essentially constant, regardless of whether
the air conditioning system is on or off.

If an aftermarket air conditioner is installed, an
engine idle speed control system must be
installed. Otherwise, the engine may not operate
satisfactorily at idle speed and low engine speed,
or the engine may stall.

77

Rear Window Defroster (If equipped)

Rear window defroster switch

The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.

To operate the defroster, push the V (defroster)
switch on the instrument panel to the right of
the steering wheel. The indicator light on the
instrument cluster comes on. When the window
is clear, push the defroster switch again to turn
it off.

NOTE: Never use sharp instruments or

window cleaners with abrasives to
clean the inside of your rear window.
If you do, you may damage the heating
elements that are bonded to the inside
of the rear window and cause damage
to the rear window defroster.

78

Lighting Up the Interior and Instrument
Panel

With the parking lamps or headlamps on, the
brightness of the instrument panel lighting can
be adjusted.

To brighten or dim the instrument panel
lighting, rotate the dimmer control thumbwheel
as desired.

Dimmer control thumbwheel

The dimmer control thumbwheel is located to
the right of the steering wheel on the instrument
panel.

Interior Courtesy Lamp

Your vehicle is equipped with an interior
courtesy lamp with a three-position switch.

❑

OFF-light will not turn on

❑

DOOR-light will turn on when the door is
open

❑

ON-light is always on in this position

79

Interior courtesy lamp

Do not leave the dome light on for long periods
of time when the engine is not running, or the
battery may discharge.

For information about the radio in your vehicle,
refer to the Audio Systems Chapter in this owner
guide.

Radio Antenna

The radio antenna is mounted near the top of
the windshield on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. The antenna can be extended by pulling
it upward away from its base. To retract the
antenna, push it in toward its base.

NOTE: To receive the best reception, the

antenna must be fully extended. If the
antenna is not fully extended, the
result may be weak or noisy radio
reception.

NOTE: The radio antenna must be pushed in

prior to entering a car wash. If you do
not push in the antenna before
entering a car wash it could result in
damage to the antenna, antenna base,
or vehicle.

80

Radios

The electronic radios have a built-in clock. For
complete operating instructions, refer to the
Audio Systems Chapter in this owner guide.

Cleaning the instrument panel lens

Clean the instrument panel lens with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner, such as Ford Ultra-Clear
Spray Glass Cleaner, or equivalent. Do not use
paper towel or an abrasive cleaner to clean the
lens as these may cause scratches.

81

Steering Column Controls

The controls on the steering column and wheel
are designed to give you easy access to the
controls while you are driving.

You can use the turn signal lever on the left side
of the steering column to:

❑

operate the headlamps and parking lamps

❑

operate the turn signals and cornering lamps

❑

turn the high beams on/off

❑

flash the lamps

Headlamps and Parking Lamps

To turn the parking lamps or headlamps on,
twist the knob at the end of the turn signal
lever.

FIRST STOP — Turning the knob to the first
stop will turn on the license plate lamps,
parking lamps, side marker lamps, tail lamps,
and instrument panel lamps.

SECOND STOP — Turning the knob to the
second stop will turn on the headlamps, license
plate lamps, parking lamps, side marker lamps,
tail lamps, and instrument panel lamps.

82

Headlamp and parking lamp control

Headlamps On Chime

This chime will sound when a door is opened
while the headlamps or parking lamps are on.

Cleaning the Exterior Lamps

Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaner to clean the lamps, as they
may cause scratches or crack the lights.

Daytime Running Light System

(Canadian vehicles only)

In Canada, certain regulations require vehicles to
be driven with lights illuminated during daytime
operation. The Daytime Running Light system
(DRL) automatically illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position. The
daytime running lights are switched off under
the following conditions:

❑

when the headlamps are switched on

❑

when the parking brake is applied

❑

when the flash-to-pass system is used

83

RWARNING

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system
will not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps
at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.

High Beams and Flashing the Lamps

To turn on the high beams, turn the headlamp
control knob to the headlamp ON position and
push the turn signal lever away from you until
it latches. When the high beams are ON, the
high beam indicator light on the instrument
panel comes on.

To turn off the high beams, pull the lever
toward you until it latches. The high beam
indicator light turns off.

Flashing the Lights

To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward
you for a moment and then release it. The
headlamps will flash whether the headlamp
knob is in the on or off position.

High beam and flash-to-pass operation

84

To alert other drivers to hazardous situations,
press the hazard flasher switch on the top of the
steering column. All the turn signals will flash
on and off at the same time. The flashers will
also operate while the brake pedal is applied. To
turn the flashers off, press the switch again.

The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers will work for up to
two hours when the battery is fully charged and
in good condition. They will not drain the
battery excessively unless they are left on for an
extended period of time.

Hazard flasher switch

Turn Signals

Move the lever up to signal a right turn. Move
it down to signal a left turn. The corresponding
indicator light in the instrument cluster will
flash.

If the turn signal stays on after you turn, move
the lever back to the center off position.

For lane changes, move the lever far enough to
signal but not to latch. The lever will return to
the OFF position when you release it.

85

Turn signal

To operate the windshield wipers and washers,
make sure your ignition key is turned to the ON
position.

The windshield wipers can be operated by
moving the control lever. The standard wipers
have two speeds and the optional wipers have
three speeds.

To operate the standard wipers, pull the lever
down to the first stop (LO). For high speed
operation, pull the lever down to the second
stop (HI).

The optional wipers have a third position which
provides intermittent wiper operation. For preset
interval intermittent wiper operation, pull the
lever down to the first stop (INT). For normal
operation pull the lever down to the second stop
(LO), or for high operation pull the lever down
to the third stop (HI).

86

Windshield wiper control lever

ONE-TOUCH WIPER SWITCH (If equipped) —
For one wiping cycle, push the lever away from
you and release it with the lever in the OFF
position. The ignition switch must be in the ON
position for this operation.

One-touch wiper switch

Windshield Washer

To clean the windshield, turn the wiper switch
on and pull the lever toward you. Washer fluid
is sprayed until the lever is released. When the
windshield is clean, turn the wiper switch to
OFF.

87

Windshield washer control

If the washer does not work, check the washer
fluid level and fill it if it is low. See Servicing
Your Aspire later in the owner guide. If there is
fluid in the reservoir, consult your nearest
authorized Ford dealer.

Do not try to clean the windshield when the
washer fluid container is empty or activate the
washers at any time for more than 15 seconds
continuously. This could damage the washer
pump system.

RWARNING

In freezing weather, the washer solution
may freeze on the windshield and obscure
your vision. Always warm up the
windshield with the defroster before you
use the washer fluid. If you cannot see
through the windshield clearly, it can
increase the risk of being involved in a
collision.

For information about refilling the washer fluid
or replacing your windshield wiper blades, see
Windshield washer fluid and Wipers in the Index.

88

(If equipped)

The rear window wiper and washer can be
activated by turning the knob at the end of the
wiper/washer lever.

To turn the rear wiper on, turn the knob up to
the ON position.

To wash the rear window, turn the knob up to
the c position. When you release it, the
washers will stop.

For a single wash/wipe cycle, turn the knob
down to the d position.

Rear windshield wiper/washer controls

89

To sound the horn, push the horn button on
either side of the steering wheel. Check the horn
regularly to be sure it operates properly.

Using the horn

91

Features

Your vehicle has a variety of features designed
for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read
this chapter to find out about standard and
optional features.

Locking the doors

Either front door can be locked or unlocked with
the key.

Using the key to lock or unlock the front door

Once the door is unlocked, you may open it by
pulling the door handle upward.

To lock the doors without using your key, push
the inside lock button down, then close the door.

92

Exterior door lock button and door handle

To lock any door from the inside, press the lock
button down. To unlock, pull the lock button up.

To open the door from the inside, pull the lock
button up and pull the door handle.

Inside door locks and door handle

93

Childproof Locks for the Rear Doors

In addition to standard locks, your vehicle has
childproof locks for the rear doors. If you set
these locks, the rear doors cannot be opened
from the inside of the vehicle. The doors can still
be opened from the outside when the lock knobs
are raised.

Child lock levers for the rear doors

To set the childproof lock on each rear door,
open the rear door.

Find the lever at the black label with the word
LOCKED in white letters. Move the lever up.

To release the childproof lock, open the rear
door from the outside.

Move the lever down.

94

Operating the Windows

The side windows on your vehicle can be raised
or lowered manually by turning the hand crank
located on each door.

NOTE: If you notice buffeting or pulsation

(wind shock) with either side window
open, you should open the opposite
window slightly to reduce the
condition.

RWARNING

Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback
when the vehicle is moving.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, always drive and ride with your
seatback upright and the lap belt snug
and low across the hips.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.

95

Adjusting the Seats

In the front seats, you can move the whole seat
forward or backward or tilt the back of the seat
forward or backward.

To move the seat forward or backward:

1. Make sure nothing is placed under the front
seats. Such items may interfere with the seat
lock mechanism.

2. Find the seat slide adjustment lever located
on the outside of the seat.

3. Pull the lever up and hold it.

4. Slide the seat to the position you desire.

5. Release the lever and make sure the seat has
locked in place.

Seat slide adjustment lever

96

Seatback Recline

To recline the seatback:

1. Find the seatback recline lever located on the
outside of the seat, toward the rear.

2. Lean forward slightly and lift up on the
lever.

3. Lean back on the seat and adjust the back of
the seat to the position you desire.

4. Release the lever and make sure the seatback
is locked in place. (The lever MUST return
to its original position for the seatback to
lock.)

The lever used to recline the back of the seat

Rear Seat Access

To gain access to the rear seat:

1. Locate the seatback recline lever. The lever is
located on the outside of the seat cushion.

2. Raise the seatback recline lever to tilt the
seatback forward. Raise the seat slide
adjustment lever and move the seat forward
if extra room is needed. The seatback should
automatically lock when returned to its
upright position. Make sure the seatback is
locked in place.

97

RWARNING

A seatback which is folded forward even
a small degree may not lock properly in
the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Using the Folding Rear Seat (If equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a
full-folding or split-folding rear seat. In either
case, you can fold down the seatback (or
seatbacks) to provide extra cargo space. If you
have the rear safety belts routed through the
rear safety belt guides on either side of the seats,
the safety belts will not be trapped when the
seats are returned to their upright positions.

To fold down the rear seatback:

1. Pull up on the release knob(s) located in the
upper corner(s) of the seatback. The
split-folding rear seat has one knob for each
seatback. The full-folding rear seat has two
knobs, which must both be raised at the
same time to lower the entire seatback.

2. Pull the seatback forward until it is flat.

98

To raise the rear seatback:

1. Push the seatback upward until it locks in
place.

2. Make sure the seatback is firmly locked by
pushing forward and backward on it.

Folding down the full-folding rear seatback

Folding down the split-folding rear seatback

99

Fold-up rear seat cushion (if equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with the fold-up rear
seat cushion, the rear seat cushion can also be
raised after you fold down the seatback(s) to
provide even more cargo space. After you pull
up the release knobs and fold the seatback(s)
forward, lift up the entire seat and push it
forward. When you return the seat cushion to its
unfolded position, reposition the rear safety belts
so that they can be used by rear seat passengers.

Folding up the rear seat cushion

RWARNING

Securely latch the seatback in the upright
position to prevent the seatback or objects
from being thrown forward during a
sudden stop or collision.