User manual FORD PROBE-1997

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Electronic Sound Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Controls and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicated proper functioning of the vehicle's antilock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder while braking, mainly in the steering wheel, the vehicle most likely needs service. Ford Motor Company has not found any detrimental effects of popular mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles equipped with the Anti-lock Brake System if normal radio installation practices are rigidly followed. However, if after installing mobile radio transmitting equipment, the Anti-lock Brake System light comes on at any time other than immediately after turning the key to the 135 ON position, or during a sudden stop, have your mobile radio dealer inspect the radio installation. Proper radio installation procedures to be followed are published by the radio manufacturer. Parking Brake The parking brake should be used whenever you park your vehicle. If the brakes don't operate while the vehicle is in motion, you can make an emergency stop with the parking brake, however, the stopping distance will be much greater than normal. The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To set the parking brake, put your foot on the brake pedal while pulling the parking brake handle fully and firmly upward. Parking brake (handbrake) 136 R WARNING To prevent personal injury, do not release the parking brake while outside the vehicle. R WARNING 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). Always check the Brake Warning Light each time you start your engine. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy. R WARNING If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake System light remains on, have the brakes checked immediately. The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Steering Your Vehicle Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle. If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the power 137 steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more effort. Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump. Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on which type of transaxle your vehicle has. You may be familiar with the term "transmission. " We use transaxle because it is a more accurate term for vehicles that have front-wheel drive. Your vehicle has one of two types of transaxles: u a manual five-speed overdrive u an automatic four-speed overdrive Driving with an Automatic Overdrive Transaxle Putting Your Vehicle in Gear The automatic transaxle on your vehicle is an electrically controlled four speed. [. . . ] Safety seats for children and air bags . 113 113 113 113 122 Index 287 Seat belts (see Safety restraints) . Servicing your vehicle precautions when servicing . Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints) . [. . . ]