Page 267 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 289 %
*
[SV20700(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV20800(ALL)10/89]
To drain your vehicles engine coolant:
*
[SV20900(ALL)03/94]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressuriz FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 289 %
*
[SV20700(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV20800(ALL)10/89]
To drain your vehicles engine coolant:
*
[SV20900(ALL)03/94]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressuriz](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-266.png)
289 %
*
[SV20700(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV20800(ALL)10/89]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
*
[SV20900(ALL)03/94]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressurize the engine cooling system by
covering the radiator cap with a thick cloth
and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the
first stop. Step back while the pressure
releases.
*
[SV20950(ALL)05/90]
2. Remove the cap.
*
[SV21000(ALL)05/90]
3. Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the
bottom of the radiator.
*
[SV21200(ALL)05/90]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[SV21225(ALL)05/94]
5. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and close
the radiator drain cock.
*
[SV21250(ALL)05/95]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theService Manual.
%*
[SV21300(ALL)08/95]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[SV21400(ALL)10/89]
After you have drained the engine cooling
system:
*
[SV21500(ALL)01/89]
1. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of the
specified engine coolant concentrate and
water. Allow several minutes for trapped air
to escape (bubble out) and for engine coolant
to flow through the radiator.
*
[SV21900(ALL)03/94]
2. Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed
position, then back off to the first stop. This
will prevent high pressure from building up
in the cooling system during this part of the
fill procedure.
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Page 268 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 290 [SV22000(ALL)03/91]3. Turn the heater (temperature and mode
selection) knobs to maximum heat positions
and operate the engine at fast idle
(approximately 2000 RPM) for three to four
minutes.
*
[SV FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 290 [SV22000(ALL)03/91]3. Turn the heater (temperature and mode
selection) knobs to maximum heat positions
and operate the engine at fast idle
(approximately 2000 RPM) for three to four
minutes.
*
[SV](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-267.png)
290 [SV22000(ALL)03/91]3. Turn the heater (temperature and mode
selection) knobs to maximum heat positions
and operate the engine at fast idle
(approximately 2000 RPM) for three to four
minutes.
*
[SV22200(ALL)05/95]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
[SV22300(ALL)05/89]
5. Add the engine coolant mixture to a level
approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches (38 mm)
below the filler neck seat.
[SV22400(ALL)05/89]
6. Reinstall the radiator cap fully and back off
to the first stop. Once again, turn the engine
at fast idle until the upper radiator hose is
warm and the thermostat is open.
[SV22550(ALL)05/89]
7. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
[SV22555(ALL)05/95]
8. If more engine coolant is necessary, remove
the small plug from the top of the engine
coolant recovery reservoir (not the large cap
of the windshield washer reservoir) and add
1.1 quarts (1 liter) of the 50/50 engine
coolant mixture. Replace the plug in its
original position.
*
[SV22565(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L
engine cooling system, it is not
unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500
miles (12,000 km) after initial system
fill.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 291
*
[SV22620(ALL)06/95]
In order to bleed the cooling system properly
after initial fill with coolant, it might need up
to five cycles of:
*
[SV22630(ALL)06/95]
q
heating up the system (thermostat o FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 291
*
[SV22620(ALL)06/95]
In order to bleed the cooling system properly
after initial fill with coolant, it might need up
to five cycles of:
*
[SV22630(ALL)06/95]
q
heating up the system (thermostat o](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-268.png)
291
*
[SV22620(ALL)06/95]
In order to bleed the cooling system properly
after initial fill with coolant, it might need up
to five cycles of:
*
[SV22630(ALL)06/95]
q
heating up the system (thermostat open)
*
[SV22640(ALL)06/95]
q
making sure coolant is at least up to the
cold fill mark of overflow bottle
*
[SV22650(ALL)06/95]
q
letting the coolant cool down (engine
coolant temperature gauge below the N of
NORMAL)
*
[SV22660(ALL)06/95]
q
topping off the coolant overflow bottle to
the cold fill mark
*
[SV22680(ALL)06/95]
If coolant loss continues after 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), consult your Ford Dealer.
%
*
[SV22700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV22800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
*
[SV22900(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
*
[SV23300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[SV23400(ALL)01/89]
quarter page art:0020358-A
Windshield washer reservoir
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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 332 of 353

Index 359
Index
A
Accessory position on the ignition..... 61
Additives, engine oil.......... 282
Air bag supplemental restraint system . . . 26
and child safety seats.......... 34
description............. 26,28
disposal................ 32
driver air bag........... 26,28
indicator light............. 81
operation............... 28
proper seating............. 27
service and information labels...... 28
tone generator............. 31
wearing safety belts........... 27
Air cleaner filter
location............... 269
specifications............. 337
Air conditioning
auxiliary heater and air conditioner . . . 98
manual heating and air conditioning
system............... 92
Alcohol, in fuel............. 277
Antenna, radio
(see Electronic sound system) . . . 149, 182
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 284
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 193
see also Brake............ 193
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board) . . 248
Assistance (see Customer assistance) . . . 245
Audio system
(see Electronic sound system)..... 149
Autolamp system (see Headlamps) . . 102, 104
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Index 363
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
rustproofing.............. 9
safety belts............... 23
tail lamps.............. 102
upholstery and interior trim...... 142
washing................ 8
waxing................ 8
wheels................ 303
windows............... 100
Climate control system.......... 91
air conditioning............ 92
heating only system........... 95
Clock...............155, 171
Clutch, specifications.......... 338
Cold engine starting............ 65
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . 11, 13
Compact disc player
(see Electronic sound system)..... 156
Compact disc radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 150
Console, description........... 145
Controls
instrument panel............ 89
mirrors............... 144
steering column........... 109
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 284
checking and adding......... 284
drain and flush............ 289
preparing for storage......... 344
proper solution............ 286
refill capacities..........289, 335
specifications............. 338
temperature gauge........... 85
warnings............... 284
Cruise control (see Speed control).... 115
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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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366 Index
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 85
Engine fan............... 266
Engine idle speed control......... 67
Engine knocking............. 276
Engine oil............... 282
checking and adding......... 283
dipstick............... 283
disposal............... 266
engine oil pressure gauge........ 83
filter, specifications.......... 337
refill capacities............ 335
specifications...........282, 338
synthetic oil............. 282
ªbreak-inº oils............. 7
viscosity............... 282
Entry system, illuminated........ 107
Exhaust fumes.............. 71
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 266
Federal Communications Commission . . . 184
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 6
Flashers, hazard............. 113
Flashing the lamps........... 110
Flat tire................. 229
Fluid refill capacities........... 335
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 247
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 248
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 253
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 253
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