1996 FORD AEROSTAR steering

186gearshift lever, may flash steadily if a
malfunction has been detected. If the Overdrive
Off Indicator Light is flashing, contact your Ford
dealer as soon as possible. If this condition
persists, damage to the transmission could occur.
*
[DR00700(ALL)03/95]
Some vehicles are equipped with a Powertrain
Control Module that limits engine speeds with a
cut-out mode to promote durability.
[DR05700(ALL)06/95]Automatic Overdrive
Transmission
%*
[DR05750(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[DR05800(ALL)03/93]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. You can put the gearshift in any one of
several positions.
[DR06001(ALL)06/95]
one third page art:0095027-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
*
[DR06200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

191
%*
[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
[DR16005(ALL)06/95]Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
(If equipped)
[DR16015(ALL)06/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the E-4WD
option, power is provided to all four wheels
whenever you press the accelerator pedal. It
improves both handling and traction during
difficult driving conditions, adjusting
automatically to your driving needs. Because the
entire E-4WD system is controlled by a
microprocessor, your vehicle is not equipped
with the switch or shift lever used with most
traditional 4WD vehicles. The microprocessor
does all the adjusting for you.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

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

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

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

229
*
[RE03200(ALL)06/95]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE03400(ALL)05/95]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[RE03500(ALL)04/95]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
You may need to use a battery charger to fully
recharge the battery.
*
[RE03550(ALL)03/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter.
%
*
[RE03600(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE03700(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE03800(ALL)03/95]
The Conventional Spare Tire
*
[RE03900(ALL)01/95]
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can
use it as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare
tire is identical to the other tires that come with
your vehicle, although the wheel may not match.
%*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare
tire. This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use only. Use it
only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with
the words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that
you can easily identify it.
File:12cprea.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:46:27 1995

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.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995