1996 FORD AEROSTAR towing

218
*
[DR36500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[DR36560(ALL)03/91]
Under certain circumstances, the trailer frontal
area is not to exceed the base vehicle frontal
area, no matter what size engine your vehicle
has:
[DR36570(ALL)03/91]
q
If you drive on roads with steep grades or on
roads with moderate grades that are 5 miles
(8 km) or longer.
[DR36580(ALL)03/91]
q
If outside temperature in which you travel is
above100ÊF (38ÊC).
%*
[DR36600(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36650(ALL)01/95]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
*
[DR36800(ALL)12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000(ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

220
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)08/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a
vehicle equipped with an automatic overdrive
transmission, you may wish to operate in Drive
(by cancelling Overdrive with OVERDRIVE OFF
button) rather than
k(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting
to maintain speed. Switch back to Overdrive
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling. This can be accomplished by pushing in
the switch located on the end of the indicator
lever.
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
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

243
*
[RE24375(ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[RE24400(ALL)07/95]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE24500(ALL)07/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[RE24600(ALL)07/95]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
*
[RE24700(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24750(ALL)08/95]
The recommended method to tow your Aerostar
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable. On
vehicles equipped with an under-vehicle spare
tire carrier, remove the tire assembly from the
carrier and store it in a secure area before
towing. For E-4WD vehicles, the 4-wheel drive
system must be disabled prior to towing. The
transmission must be in N (Neutral) and the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position to
disable the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive System.
File:12cprea.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:46:27 1995

245
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)08/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:13cphsa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:46:53 1995

364 Index
Customer Assistance Center,
Ford (U.S.).............. 247
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........247, 253
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)...... 89
Daytime running light system...... 104
Defects, reporting............ 252
Defrost, rear window........... 99
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....306, 308
engine oil.............. 283
power steering fluid.......... 311
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 243
Dispute Settlement Board........ 248
Doors................. 121
door ajar warning light......... 77
lubricant specifications......... 338
Driving under special conditions..... 198
bad weather............. 200
heavy load.............. 202
high speed.............. 199
high water.............. 201
slippery roads............ 200
tips for safe driving.......... 198
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 322
fuses................. 313
operating when the engine is off..... 61
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)..... 163
Electronic sound system
radio reception............ 182
tuning the radio.......151, 164, 175
warranty and service information.... 184
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995

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
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995

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
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995