1996 FORD AEROSTAR brakes

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

199
*
[DR25450(ALL)02/95]
q
Abruptly releasing the accelerator or braking
hard when your vehicle is in a severe curve
at a speed which is high in relationship to the
severity of the curve (and other factors like
road, weather, and tire conditions) may cause
the vehicle to change its direction of travel. If
possible, avoid application of the brakes. If
braking is necessary, it should be done by
using the ªsqueezeº technique described
earlier.
*
[DR25475(ALL)08/95]
If you run off the road, do not turn the steering
wheel sharply to return to the road. Instead,
slow the vehicle sufficiently and gradually steer
the vehicle back onto the road.
*
[DR25501(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550(ALL)11/92]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
[DR25601(ALL)08/95]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to second gear.
*
[DR26301(ALL)01/89]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[DR26550(ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26590(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

200
*
[DR26625(ALL)12/91]
Speed limiter
*
[DR26652(ALL)05/95]
All models are equipped with an Electronic
Engine Control (EEC) system which limits the
maximum engine speed and thus road speed in
top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted
highway speeds in North America.
%*
[DR26701(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR27025(ALL)08/95]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes
(except with rear anti-lock brakes).
*
[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27201(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
*
[DR27401(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not
prevent brake lock-up on extremely
slippery surfaces.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

201 %
*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

203
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
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

310 %
*
[SV36600(ALL)02/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV36850(ALL)12/91]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted
surfaces, it must be flushed and wiped
away immediately. Brake fluid may
dissolve the paint finish on your
vehicle.
*
[SV36900(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[SV37000(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[SV37100(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[SV37200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
[SV37300(ALL)08/95]
quarter page art:0095017-A
Brake master cylinder reservoir
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995