1996 Ford Probe Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 237

soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion. Battery replacement When the original equipment maintenance-free battery is replaced under warranty, it may be replaced by a low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and adding water, if necessary. The electrolyte level should be checked at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40,000 km) in temperatures up to 90˚F (32˚C) and more in temperatures above 90˚F (32˚C). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the level indicator. Do not overfill. If the level gets low, you can add plain tap water to the battery, provided the water isn't hard or doesn't have a high mineral or alkali content. However, if possible, refill with distilled water. If the battery needs water quite often, have the charging system checked for a possible problem. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery, you must allow the computer to "relearn" its idle condition before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this process, put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or N (Neutral) (manual transaxle), set the emergency brake, turn off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal operating temperature. 240