Ford Aspire 1997 Service Guide

General Information

1

Table of Contents

General Maintenance Information............... 3

What Maintenance Schedule Do You

Follow? ................................................................ 5

Normal Schedule............................................... 6

Severe Duty Schedule ................................... 15

Owner Maintenance Checks........................ 30

2

Maintenance Schedule and
Record

The required Scheduled Maintenance Services
listed in this booklet are considered essential to
the proper operation, safety and performance of
your Ford Motor Company vehicle. We
recommend that you also perform the Owner
Maintenance Checks listed. These services are
matters of day-to-day care that are also
important to the proper operation of your
vehicle. The recommended lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to Ford Specifications
are available from your dealer.

This booklet gives you a place to record the
services that are performed on your vehicle so
that you can keep a record of when parts should
be checked or replaced. Give your Maintenance
Schedule and Record booklet to the dealer service
manager.

3

Maintenance: An investment

An investment which will pay dividends in the
form of improved reliability, durability, and
resale value.

To assure the durability of your vehicle and its
emission control systems, it is necessary that
scheduled maintenance be performed at the
designated intervals.

Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner’s responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.

PRE-DELIVERY CHECK

Pre-Delivery Service Inspection Completed

❑

4

What Maintenance
Schedule Do You Follow?

Normal

Schedule

Follow the Normal Schedule for most normal
everyday driving conditions.

Severe Duty

Schedule

Follow the Severe Duty Schedule if your driving
habits FREQUENTLY include one or more of the
following conditions:

Operating in severe dust conditions.

❑

Extensive idling, such as police, taxi or

❑

door-to-door delivery service.
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km)

❑

when outside temperatures remain below 0˚F
(-18˚C).

5

Normal Schedule

NOTE: Items for Emission Control Service are
shown in this type style.

For items marked with a number in parentheses
such as (1), see footnote at the end of this
section.

Regular

Maintenance

Intervals

for the Normal

Schedule

5,000 MILES (8,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

10,000 MILES (16,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

6 Normal Schedule

15,000 MILES (24,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

20,000 MILES (32,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

25,000 MILES (40,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

30,000 MILES (48,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 36 months.

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (1)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Normal Schedule 7

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

35,000 MILES (56,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

40,000 MILES (64,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

45,000 MILES (72,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

8 Normal Schedule

50,000 MILES (80,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Change engine coolant initially at 50,000 miles

❑

(80,000 km)or 48 months. Thereafter, change
engine coolant every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or
36 months.

55,000 MILES (88,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

60,000 MILES (96,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Inspect ignition timing. (1)

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 36 months.

Replace camshaft drive belt. (2)

❑

Replace fuel filter. (2)

❑

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (2)

❑

Inspect fuel hoses and tube for emissions. (2)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Normal Schedule 9

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

Repack front and rear wheel bearings.

❑

65,000 MILES (104,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

70,000 MILES (112,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

75,000 MILES (120,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

10 Normal Schedule

80,000 MILES (128,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

85,000 MILES (136,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

90,000 MILES (144,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 36 months.

Inspect camshaft drive belt. (1)(3)

❑

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (1)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Normal Schedule 11

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

95,000 MILES (152,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

100,000 MILES (160,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

105,000 MILES (168,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace camshaft drive belt. (3)

❑

12 Normal Schedule

Inspect fuel hoses. (3)

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

110,000 MILES (176,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Change engine coolant every 30,000 miles

❑

(48,000 km) or 36 months.

115,000 MILES (184,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

120,000 MILES (192,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Inspect ignition timing. (1)

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Normal Schedule 13

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 36 months.

Replace camshaft drive belt. (4)

❑

Replace fuel filter.

❑

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (2)

❑

Inspect fuel hoses and tube for emissions. (2)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

Repack front and rear wheel bearings.

❑

(1) This item is not required to be performed, however, Ford

recommends that you perform maintenance on this item
in order to achieve best vehicle operation. Failure to
perform this recommended maintenance will not
invalidate the emissions warranty or manufacturer’s
recall liability.

(2) This item is required for all states except California.

However, Ford recommends performing an inspection
on California vehicles. Failure to perform this
recommended maintenance on California vehicles will
not invalidate the emissions warranty or manufacturer’s
recall liability.

(3) For California vehicles only.
(4) Required for all states except California.

14 Normal Schedule

Severe Duty Schedule

NOTE: Items for Emission Control Service are
shown in this type style.

For items marked with a number in parentheses
such as (1), see footnote at the end of this
section.

Maintenance

Intervals

for Severe

Duty Schedule

3,000 MILES (5,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

6,000 MILES (10,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 15

9,000 MILES (15,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

12,000 MILES (20,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

15,000 MILES (25,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Inspect air cleaner filter. (1)

❑

Inspect disc brake pads and rotors (front).

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

18,000 MILES (30,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

16 Severe Duty Schedule

21,000 MILES (35,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

24,000 MILES (40,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

27,000 MILES (45,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

30,000 MILES (50,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 17

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(50,000 km) or 36 months.

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (1)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

33,000 MILES (55,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

36,000 MILES (60,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

18 Severe Duty Schedule

39,000 MILES (65,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

42,000 MILES (70,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

45,000 MILES (75,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Inspect air cleaner filter. (1)

❑

Inspect disc brake pads and rotors (front).

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 19

48,000 MILES (80,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Change engine coolant initially at 48,000 miles

❑

(80,000 km) or 48 months. Thereafter, change
engine coolant every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or
36 months.

51,000 MILES (85,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

54,000 MILES (90,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

57,000 MILES (95,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

20 Severe Duty Schedule

60,000 MILES (100,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Inspect ignition timing. (1)

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(50,000 km) or 36 months.

Replace camshaft drive belt. (2)

❑

Inspect camshaft drive belt. (3)

❑

Replace fuel filter. (2)

❑

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (2)

❑

Inspect fuel hoses and tube for emissions. (1)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 21

Repack front and rear wheel bearings.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

63,000 MILES (105,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

66,000 MILES (110,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

69,000 MILES (115,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

22 Severe Duty Schedule

72,000 MILES (120,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

75,000 MILES (125,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Inspect air cleaner filter. (1)

❑

Inspect disc brake pads and rotors (front).

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

78,000 MILES (130,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Change engine coolant every 30,000 miles

❑

(50,000 km) or 36 months.

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 23

81,000 MILES (135,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

84,000 MILES (140,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

87,000 MILES (145,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

90,000 MILES (150,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Check idle speed. (2)

❑

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(50,000 km) or 36 months.

24 Severe Duty Schedule

Inspect camshaft drive belt. (1)(3)

❑

Inspect fuel lines and hoses. (1)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

93,000 MILES (155,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

96,000 MILES (160,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 25

99,000 MILES (165,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

102,000 MILES (170,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

105,000 MILES (175,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Inspect air cleaner filter. (1)

❑

Replace camshaft drive belt. (3)

❑

Inspect fuel hoses. (3)

❑

Inspect disc brake pads and rotors (front).

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

26 Severe Duty Schedule

108,000 MILES (180,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Change engine coolant every 30,000 miles

❑

(50,000 km) or 36 months.

111,000 MILES (185,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

114,000 MILES (190,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Rotate tires and adjust air pressure.

❑

117,000 MILES (195,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Severe Duty Schedule 27

120,000 MILES (200,000 Kilometers)

Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

❑

Replace spark plugs.

❑

Inspect accessory drive belt(s).

❑

Replace air cleaner filter.

❑

Check idle speed.

❑

Inspect ignition timing. (1)

❑

Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps;

❑

and check coolant strength every 30,000 miles
(50,000 km) or 36 months.

Replace camshaft drive belt. (4)

❑

Replace fuel filter. (4)

❑

Inspect fuel lines and hoses.

❑

Inspect fuel hoses and tube for emissions. (1)

❑

Check clutch pedal operation (if equipped).

❑

Inspect exhaust heat shield(s).

❑

Inspect halfshaft dust boots.

❑

Inspect front and rear brakes.

❑

Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections.

❑

Inspect bolts and nuts on chassis and body.

❑

Inspect front suspension ball joints.

❑

Inspect steering operation and linkage.

❑

Repack front and rear wheel bearings.

❑

28 Severe Duty Schedule

(1) This item is not required to be performed, however, Ford

recommends that you perform maintenance on this item
in order to achieve best vehicle operation. Failure to
perform this recommended maintenance will not
invalidate the emissions warranty or manufacturer’s
recall liability.

(2) This item is required for all states except California.

However, Ford recommends performing an inspection
on California vehicles. Failure to perform this
recommended maintenance on California vehicles will
not invalidate the emissions warranty or manufacturer’s

recall liability.
(3) For California vehicles only.
(4) Required for all states except California.

Severe Duty Schedule 29

Owner Maintenance
Checks

The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by the
owner or qualified service technician at the
frequencies indicated to help ensure safe,
dependable operation of your vehicle.

Any adverse conditions should be brought to the
attention of your dealer or qualified service
technician for service advice as soon as possible.

These Owner Maintenance Checks are generally
not covered by warranties and you may be
charged for labor, parts and lubricants used.

When You Stop for Fuel:

Check the engine oil level.

❑

Check the windshield washer fluid level.

❑

Look for low or under-inflated tires.

❑

While Operating Your Vehicle:

Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust

❑

or any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel.

❑

Notice any increased steering effort or
looseness in the steering wheel.

Notice if your vehicle constantly turns

❑

slightly or “pulls” to one side of the road.
When stopping, listen and check for strange

❑

sounds, pulling to one side, increased brake
pedal travel or “hard to push” brake pedal.

If any slipping or changes in the operation of

❑

your transaxle occur, check the transaxle fluid
level.

30 Owner Maintenance Checks

Check automatic transaxle P (PARK) function.

❑

Check parking brake.

❑

Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle

❑

(water dripping from the air conditioning
system after use is normal).

Check warning lights and gauges.

❑

At least monthly:

Check coolant level in the coolant recovery

❑

reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lamps,

❑

including the brakelamps, turn signals and
hazard warning flashers.

At least twice a year:

(i.e., every Spring and Fall)

Check radiator, heater and air-conditioning

❑

hoses for leaks or damage.
Check the power steering fluid level.

❑

Check windshield washer spray and wiper

❑

operation. Clean wiper blades with clean
cloth dampened with washer fluid.

Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug

❑

nuts.
Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and

❑

clamps.
Check headlamp alignment.

❑

Check the lap-shoulder belts for wear and

❑

function.
Check air pressure in spare tire.

❑

Inspect the engine drive belts for wear or

❑

cracks.

Owner Maintenance Checks 31

At least once a year:

Lubricate all hinges, checks, latches and all

❑

outside key locks.
Lubricate door rubber weatherstrips.

❑

Clean the body water drain holes.

❑

Check the air conditioning system before the

❑

warm weather season.
Check the brake fluid level.

❑

Clean the battery connections.

❑

Lubricate the transaxle controls and linkage.

❑

Check manual transaxle fluid level.

❑

Check automatic transaxle fluid level.

❑

Check cooling system, coolant, hoses and

❑

clamps.

If any concerns are noted, bring them to the
attention of your dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.

32 Owner Maintenance Checks