Page 262 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 284
*
[SV14500(ALL)03/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 284
*
[SV14500(ALL)03/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full,](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-261.png)
284
*
[SV14500(ALL)03/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[SV14700(ALL)03/95]
Adding engine oil
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400(ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500(ALL)02/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17700(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine Compartmentin this chapter.
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Page 275 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 297 %
*
[SV26450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[SV26460(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 297 %
*
[SV26450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[SV26460(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-274.png)
297 %
*
[SV26450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[SV26460(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.
*
[SV26470(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
%*
[SV26500(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV26600(ALL)03/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them at the mileage
shown in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet which came with your vehicle.
*
[SV26700(ALL)07/92]
Rotate the tires according to the following
diagram. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked. If your light truck
has a temporary spare tire, do not include it in
the tire rotation pattern.
*
[SV26750(ALL)03/90]
In situations where the tires differ from front to
rear (snow/traction), simply rotate using a side
to side pattern.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 311
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking a FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 311
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking a](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-288.png)
311
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV37900(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV38100(ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV38200(ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
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Page 309 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 331
%*
[SV48600(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV48700(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requi FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 331
%*
[SV48600(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV48700(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requi](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-308.png)
331
%*
[SV48600(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV48700(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV48800(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV48900(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV49000(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV49100(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV49200(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule.
*
[SV49300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV49400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment
floor covering or insulation, do not let
passengers ride in your truck in a manner
that allows contact between skin and the
metal floor.
*
[SV49500(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
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Page 335 of 353

362 Index
Changing a tire............. 229
Charging system gauge.......... 82
Charging system warning light....... 81
Child safety restraints........... 32
built-in child seat............ 48
child safety belts............ 58
child safety seats............ 34
Child safety seats............. 34
attaching with tether straps....... 46
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 15, 34
built-in child seat............ 48
in front seat.............. 34
in rear outboard seat.......... 34
in rear seat............... 34
tether anchorage hardware........ 46
Chime
headlamps on.............. 84
key in ignition............. 62
safety belt............... 77
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 322
see also fuses............. 313
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat............ 57
CD player and discs.......... 160
chrome and aluminum parts....... 9
engine compartment.......... 272
exterior................ 8
exterior lamps............ 102
fabric................ 142
headlamps.............. 102
instrument panel............ 91
instrument panel lens......... 108
interior lamps............. 105
mirrors................ 144
plastic parts.............. 9
polishing................ 8
rear windows............. 100
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Page 338 of 353

Index 365
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 175
Electronic stereo radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 174
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 245
battery acid spills.........225, 306
fuel................. 278
jump-starting............. 225
towing................ 243
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 197
Emission control system......... 331
catalytic converter.......... 331
emissions warranty......... 4,331
Engine
check engine warning light....... 78
does not start............. 69
fuel injected engine, starting....... 63
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 69
preparing to start............ 64
refill capacities............ 335
service points............ 269
starting.............. 61,64
starting after a collision......... 69
storing your vehicle.......... 343
Engine block heater............ 68
Engine coolant............. 284
checking and adding......... 284
checking hoses............ 288
disposal............... 288
drain and flush............ 289
preparing for storage......... 344
proper solution............ 286
recovery reservoir........269, 284
refill capacities............ 335
refill procedure............ 289
specifications............. 338
temperature gauge........... 85
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Index 371
Lamps (continued)
interior lamps............ 101
replacing bulbs............ 322
trailer................ 219
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . 109
Lap belts................. 20
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 81
brake................. 75
charging system............ 81
check engine.............. 78
door ajar................ 77
engine oil pressure........... 83
hazard warning light......... 113
high beam............... 84
oil pressure.............. 83
safety belt............... 77
service engine soon........... 78
turn signal indicator......... 109
Load limits............... 202
GAWR................ 202
GVWR................ 202
trailer towing............. 205
Lubricant specifications......... 338
Luggage rack.............. 223
Lug nuts................ 237
standard............... 239
tightening sequence.......... 241
Lumbar support, seats.......... 142
Lumbar support pad.......... 142
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet).......... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 265
Master cylinder, brakes......... 309
Methanol in fuel............ 277
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Page 350 of 353

Index 377
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer weight . . 211
safety chains............. 219
trailer brakes............. 219
trailer lamps............. 219
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 186
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 307
fluid, refill capacities......... 335
lubricant specifications........ 338
Transmission control switch....... 188
Trip odometer.............. 88
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 332
Turn signal............... 109
indicator lights............ 109
lever................ 109
U
Used engine oil, disposal........ 266
V
Variable interval wipers......... 110
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................ 332
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).... 5
Vehicle loading............. 205
calculating the load.......... 211
understanding loading information . . . 207
Vehicle storage............. 342
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control).......... 91
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 282
Voltmeter (see Battery voltage gauge).... 82
File:cpixa.ex
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