Questions & Answers

The Questions

Q. What is the history of the Ford Probe?

Q. When I drive over slight bumps, my 93/94 Probe squeaks and rattles.

Q. How do I make the headlights stay in the "up" position on my 94-95 Probe?

Q. When my window(s) are lowered, and I close the doors, the glass rattles in the door. Is there anything I can do about this?

Q. How do I remove and replace headlamps?

Q. How can I re-wire the 93+ GT fog lights to operate without the headlamps?

Q. My windows leak air. What can I do about this?

Q. How do I replace the factory radio?

Q. What is the procedure for accessing the console switches in the 93-95 Probe?

Q. How do I get information on the "24-hour Roadside Assistance Program" that comes with '94 (and 95?) Probes?

Q. What kind of tires should I use?

Q. What are the specifications of the Probe

Q. My Probe's paint seems to scratch very easily. Did my car not get painted properly?

Q. What kind of polish/wax should I use on my Probe?

Q. How can I negotiate the best price on a new Probe?

Q. What is the best selling price for the Probe?

Q. Where can I race my Probe?

Q. Is there a spoiler available for the Probe?

Q. Are there any "performance chips?" available for the Probe GT?

Q. Unanswered Questions submitted by others.

Q. How can I contribute to the Ford Probe FAQ?

The Answers

Q. What is the history of the Ford Probe?

A. Contributor: Erik Van-der-Mey (erik@webcentrix.net) In the early 80's there was speculation that gasoline prices would exceed $2.50 per gallon. In response to that, a more fuel efficient replacement for the Ford Mustang was developed in conjunction with a small sport coupe designed and built by Mazda here in the U.S. As the release date grew near for the “new” Ford Mustang, gasoline prices were as low as ever and Mustang afficinados voiced their displeasure with a small front-wheel drive replacement. In response, Ford kept the Mustang as is and released the Ford Probe as an additional model to its lineup. The Probe proved to be an instant hit, and Mustang sales were as strong as ever. Two cheers for Ford for bringing us the Probe and keeping the Mustang. The design for the Probe can be traced to to concept design vehicles named Probe I, II, and III If anyone has photos of these concepts, please e-mail me (erik@webcentrix.net)

Q. When I drive over slight bumps, my 93/94 Probe squeaks and rattles.

A. Contributor: Bill Heiser (bill@bh.org) The 93-94 series Probes are known for being prone to rattles and squeaks. I have heard of one case where a Ford dealer installed some "missing pieces" in the dashboard of a '93 to eliminate a couple of rattles.

Common rattles in the 93-94 Probes include the rear hatch area, the dashboard, and the pillors just aft of the doors. I guess this is "just the way Probes are".

Q. How do I make the headlights stay in the "up" position on my 94-95 Probe?

A. Contributor: Bill Heiser (bill@bh.org) The '93 and older Probes had a switch mechanism to allow the headlights to be kept in the "up" position. For some reason Ford removed the switch in the '94 model. Apparently the wiring is still there, so you can buy a switch from Ford to re-enable this feature. This is probably a good idea to avoid damage to the light-raising mechanism during icy conditions.

Q. When my window(s) are lowered, and I close the doors, the glass rattles in the door. Is there anything I can do about this?

A. Contributor: Bill Heiser (bill@bh.org) This seems to be a common problem and there is no known cure.

Q. How do I remove and replace headlamps?

A. Contributor: Tom Hunt (thunt@libby.rbls.lib.il.us) With the headlamps raised, remove the Black plastic molding around the headlamp (3 screws if my memory serves me correctly). With this removed you then have access to the headlamp mounting screws, remove the mounting screws & unplug the headlamp. Replace in reverse order. Its about a 10 minute job.

Q. How can I re-wire the 93+ GT fog lights to operate without the headlamps?

A. Contributor: John Huang (pp000349@interramp.com) Here it is... How to rewire your fog lights on a '93 or newer Probe GT. PLEASE review this for accuracy before you try it!!! Thanks to Keith F. and Scott S. for reviewing the preliminary document.

Q. My windows leak air. What can I do about this?

A. Contributor: Bill Heiser (bill@bh.org) Window seal problems are common in Probes, and probably with most cars sporting "frameless" windows. Those with manual windows (as opposed to power windows) are affected a little less because they can manually adjust the window position.

Rumour has it that there is a Ford TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that addresses the proper adjustment of 93-94 Probe windows. (if someone has this number please let me know for inclusion here)

Q. How do I replace the factory radio?

A. Procedures can be located in the Ford Probe Service Manual. Look for an upcoming link to the Car Audio Pages!

Q. What is the procedure for accessing the console switches in the 93-95 Probe?

A. Contributor: Kevin Ruddy (smiles@powerdog.com) How to access the console switches on 93-95 Probe.

Q. How do I get information on the "24-hour Roadside Assistance Program" that comes with '94 (and 95?) Probes?

A. Contributor: Scott Wilson (swilson@ccd.harris.com) The number is 800-241-3673 for Ford Roadside Assistance. In Canada, the number is 800-348-5220. Make sure you have your VIN if you call. You should have received something with the owners manual, including the credit card key already pre-cut for your locks.

Q. What kind of tires should I use?

A. Original equipment tire/wheel sizes can be found on the specification pages. (see Sources page for more)

Q. What are the specifications of the Probe

A. See Specifications Page.

Q. My Probe's paint seems to scratch very easily. Did my car not get painted properly?

A. Contributor: Michael Fennell (fennell@azrael.mitre.org) Many people on the ford-probe mailing list have made similar laments. It would seem that the paint on Probes is quite soft and scratch prone. This is especially obvious with dark colors. See the "what kind of polish/wax should I use" question for more details.

Q. What kind of polish/wax should I use on my Probe?

A. TBD. See the "my paint scratches easily" question for related info.

Q. How can I negotiate the best price on a new Probe?

A. This is not Probe specific, and is best addressed elsewhere. Try rec.autos.misc. There are also a number of books available that address the topic of "automobile purchases". If someone can provide me with some Probe-specific auto price-negotiating details, I'll be happy to insert that information here :-)

Q. What is the best selling price for the Probe?

A. Contributor: Scott Wilson (swilson@america.net) As a general rule: find a NADA book. Look up your car, model, and year. It should show an average retail, wholesale (i.e. the lowest price), and probably a "good price". If not, the midpoint of the retail and the wholesale should give you a good price. Make sure you add/subtract options as specified, this can add a lot of value to the car.Also make sure you use the deduction worksheet for figuring out your high mileage penalty.

If you're PGT is in mint condition, you can shoot for a price near (retail +/- options & mileage). If it's crummy, you probably won't get more than wholesale. Not only that, if you go to trade it in at a dealership, they won't give you more than wholesale price. If you're getting more than wholesale at a dealer, you're getting shafted on the new car purchase.

The NADA book is only a guide. Use your judgement. You may find someone who'll give you full retail, but that probably indicates someone who has no idea what it's really worth.

Q. Where can I race my Probe?

A. Contributor: Erik Van-der-Mey (erik@webcentrix.net) It depends on the type of racing that you would like to do. The easiest way to get started in racing is to autocross. Autocross events do not require any special equipment (such as rollcages or fire extinguishers). Just bring your Probe and yourself. Most events are held on temporary sites such as airport runways or large parking lots. Some events may be held at actual racing venues. Autocross is also referred to as Solo II. Most Solo II events are held according to SCCA rules. If you are interested in autocrossing, contact your local SCCA Club or check out the SCCA Web Page.

Q. Is there a spoiler available for the Probe?

A. TBD

Q. Are there any "performance chips?" available for the Probe GT?

A. See Aftermarket Sources

Q.How can I contribute to the Ford Probe FAQ?

A. It easy! Post your questions to the Ford Probe FAQ Message Board.



