1996 FORD AEROSTAR brake light

194
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
%*
[DR22500(ALL)10/94]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[DR22700(ALL)06/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS). This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
completely locking up when the brakes are
applied in a panic stop, for example.
*
[DR22800(ALL)07/94]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

195
*
[DR22900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[DR22910(ALL)07/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
%*
[DR23200(ALL)07/95]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
%*
[DR23300(ALL)07/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

198
*
[DR25050(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100(ALL)06/95]
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.
%
*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR25350(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[DR25401(ALL)02/95]
q
Extreme braking can cause the front wheels
to lock and slide, making it difficult to
control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake
pedal with steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to brake yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction
you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the
ªsqueezeº technique.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

219 %
*
[DR37800(ALL)07/95]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900(ALL)12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[DR38000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100(ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR38450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

221
*
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

222
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR39725(ALL)03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39800(ALL)05/90]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[DR40350(ALL)08/95]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake with your
right hand.
*
[DR40575(ALL)06/95]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

283 %
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)03/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(ALL)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)06/95]
quarter page art:0095016-A
Engine oil dipstick
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

309 [SV35800(ALL)07/95]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[SV36000(ALL)06/93]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment universal joints are replaced
with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet.
%
*
[SV36300(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV36350(ALL)05/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[SV36400(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
*
[SV36500(ALL)08/95]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[SV36550(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV36560(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995