LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 1997 >> Probe Base, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission >> Automatic Trans >> Shift Interlock Systems >> Diagnosis & Testing >> Aspire & Probe >> Diagnostic Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Check Fuses  - Check 15A METER and 15A STOP fuses located in the interior fuse junction block. If fuses are okay, go to step  4. If fuses are not okay, go to next step.
  2. Check Electrical System  - With ignition off, replace blown fuse(s). Turn ignition on. If the fuse blows again, go to next step. If the fuse does not blow again, go to step  4.
  3. Check For Short To Ground  - Turn ignition off. Remove METER and STOP fuses. Locate and disconnect shift interlock actuator connectors. See Figure. Using DVOM, measure and record resistance between STOP fuse holder terminals and ground. Measure and record resistance between METER fuse holder terminals and ground. If each resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, reinstall fuses and go to next step. If any resistance is less than 10 k/ohms, repair short in appropriate wire. Reconnect all connectors. Install gearshift lever, console and knob.
  4. Check Supply Voltage To Shift Interlock Actuator  - Turn ignition on. Using DVOM, measure voltage between shift interlock actuator 3-pin wiring harness connector Yellow (Aspire) or Yellow/Red (Probe) and Black/Yellow wires and ground. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to next step. If voltage is less than 10 volts, repair open in appropriate wire.
  5. Check BOO Switch Signal To Shift Interlock Actuator  - Turn ignition off. Connect DVOM leads between shift interlock actuator 3-pin wiring harness connector Green (Aspire) or White/Green (Probe) wire and ground. While monitoring DVOM, press brake pedal. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to step  7. If voltage is less than 10 volts, go to next step.
  6. Check Stoplight Operation  - If stoplights operate when brake pedal is depressed, repair open Green wire between BOO switch and shift lock actuator. If stoplights do not operate when brake pedal is depressed, diagnose problem in stoplight circuit. See appropriate EXTERIOR LIGHTS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
  7. Check Shift Interlock Actuator Ground  - Ensure gearshift lever is in "P" position. Using DVOM, measure resistance between shift interlock actuator 1-pin connector Black wire and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace shift interlock actuator. On Aspire models, if resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open in Black wire between shift interlock actuator and ground. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. On Probe models, if resistance is more than 5 ohms, go to next step.
    NOTE: Step  8 only applies to Probe models.
  8. Check Park Range Switch  - Remove transmission control selector dial bezel. Press the brake pedal and place transmission selector lever in "1" position. Disconnect park range switch connector. Using DVOM, measure and record resistance between park range switch connector terminals. Depress park range switch and measure resistance between park range switch connector terminals. Resistance should be 5 ohms or less with switch depressed and more than 10 k/ohms with switch released. If either resistance is not as specified, replace park range switch. If both resistance's are as specified, repair Black wire between park range switch and ground. See WIRING DIAGRAMS .
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals