1996 FORD AEROSTAR trailer

218
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[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

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

220
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
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[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
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[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

222
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR39725(ALL)03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39800(ALL)05/90]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[DR40350(ALL)08/95]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake with your
right hand.
*
[DR40575(ALL)06/95]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

231
*
[RE04300(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[RE04400(ALL)01/95]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[RE04500(ALL)01/95]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
q
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/95]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/95]
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/95]
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
*
[RE05000(ALL)01/95]
q
drive through an automatic car wash with
this tire. Because the temporary spare tire is
smaller than a conventional tire, it reduces
the ground clearance. Your vehicle may get
caught in the rails and it could be damaged.
%*
[RE05100(ALL)03/95]
Spare Tire Location
[RE05200(ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle is a standard length van model,
the spare tire is mounted inside a carrier at the
left rear quarter panel. To remove the spare tire,
remove the wing nut and plate. A flat tire can
be temporarily stowed in the same location.
[RE05300(ALL)01/89]
quarter page art:0020264-A
A side mounted spare tire
File:12cprea.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:46:27 1995

307
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature, after
approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
*
[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33940(ALL)02/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located toward the
passenger's side of the engine), pull the dipstick
out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

321
*
[SV40700(ALL)05/95]
To remove and replace a fuse, use the fuse
puller provided.
[SV43500(ALL)06/95]
quarter page art:0030248-B
The side view of a fuse
*
[SV43700(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.
[SV43810(ALL)10/90]
Access to the trailer tow fuse is through the rear
most storage compartment in the side trim
panel. This is on the left for all Aerostar models.
[SV43820(ALL)03/95]
1. Remove the screws located inside the
compartment and take off the access hole
cover.
[SV43830(ALL)03/95]
2. Reach in through access hole to remove
fuses. The fuses are located on the side of
the bracket assembly.
[SV43840(ALL)03/95]
3. Replace fuses with standard push-in fuses
(plug type).
[SV43850(ALL)03/95]
4. Reinstall compartment back and screw into
place.
*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Even after you replace a fuse, it will continue to
blow if you do not find what caused the
overload. If the fuse continues to blow, have
your electrical system checked.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995