1997 Ford Probe Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 129

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. If you have a manual transaxle, make sure 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.) Testing the Warning Lights Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to the Instrumentation chapter. Starting Your Engine To start your engine: 1. 2. 3. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key to the ON position. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is parked. 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. If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding. 4. 126