Page 169 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 188 %
*
[DR06401(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR06501(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 188 %
*
[DR06401(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR06501(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-168.png)
188 %
*
[DR06401(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR06501(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[DR06520(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR06550(ALL)08/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the vehicle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline, unless the parking brake or
brakes are on.
%*
[DR06601(ALL)01/95]
Driving
%*
[DR06700(ALL)04/95]
When to usej(Overdrive)
[DR06800(ALL)08/95]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
[DR06810(ALL)08/95]
When to use Drive
[DR06830(ALL)08/95]
You will note there is not a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a transmission control switch labeled
OVERDRIVE OFF located on the end of the
gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
indicator light (OFF) illuminates on the gearshift
lever. With overdrive cancelled and the word
OFF illuminated, the transmission will operate in
gears one through three. This is useful if you
experience frequent downshift/upshift
conditions, when operating with a heavy load or
in hilly terrain, or if additional engine braking is
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995
Page 170 of 353

189
useful. However, shift back toj(Overdrive)
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing the transmission
control switch again, to cancel the OVERDRIVE
OFF control and light.
[DR06850(ALL)06/95]
one third page art:0095028-A*
[DR07100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
[DR07200(ALL)06/92]
With the gearshift in the 2 (Second) gear
position more engine braking is provided. Use 2
(Second) gear to drive up moderately steep
grades, to start up slippery roads, or to provide
moderate engine braking on downgrades. DO
NOT GO FASTER THAN 55 mph (88 km/h) IN
THIS GEARSHIFT POSITION.
*
[DR07400(ALL)01/95]
When to use 1 (Low)
[DR07500(ALL)06/92]
With the gearshift in the 1 (First) gear position
maximum engine braking is provided. This
position provides 1 (First) gear operation only
with no automatic upshifts. To obtain upshifts
the gearshift must be moved out of this position.
Use 1 (First) gear to drive up steep grades, or to
provide maximum engine braking on
downgrades.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 190
*
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P (Park)
[DR07700(ALL)06/92]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
[D FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 190
*
[DR07600(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
[DR07700(ALL)06/92]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
[D](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-170.png)
190
*
[DR07600(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
[DR07700(ALL)06/92]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
[DR07800(ALL)06/92]
To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push
it toward the instrument panel.
*
[DR08000(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR08100(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[DR08500(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
[DR08600(ALL)08/95]
To gain acceleration inj(Overdrive) or Drive
(jposition with Overdrive cancelled) when
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to
the floor. The transmission will downshift to 2
(Second) gear or to 1 (First) gear at calibrated
speeds.
*
[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[DR11275(ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[DR11285(ALL)03/94]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 191
%*
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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)0 FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 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)0](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-171.png)
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.
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Page 173 of 353
![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 192 [DR16025(ALL)05/94]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[DR16036(ALL)03/90]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 192 [DR16025(ALL)05/94]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[DR16036(ALL)03/90]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-172.png)
192 [DR16025(ALL)05/94]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[DR16036(ALL)03/90]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed one-third to the front axle and
two-thirds to the rear axle. However, if a wheel
begins to slip, the microprocessor will sense this
condition and signal the system to transmit more
power to the axle with more traction. (You may
feel a momentary surge of power.)
[DR16046(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: The microprocessor is disabled when
the brakes are applied or when the
transmission selector is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) positions.
[DR16055(ALL)05/94]
Driving Your Electronic 4-Wheel Drive
(E-4WD) Vehicle
[DR16065(ALL)03/95]
Since your E-4WD vehicle is unique, follow these
steps to be safe:
[DR16075(ALL)03/95]
q
Avoid unnecessary turns or other maneuvers
that could cause loss of control and possible
injury.
[DR16076(ALL)06/95]
q
Use the same size and type of tire and wheel
as originally provided for your vehicle and
inflate the tires to the manufacturer's
recommended air pressure.
[DR16077(ALL)03/95]
q
Become familiar with your vehicle's operating
characteristics and study this Owner Guide
for specific operating instructions. Be sure all
occupants wear the safety belts provided.
Drive cautiously, defensively, and at speeds
safe for current road conditions.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 193 [DR16095(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not let the added driving traction of
E-4WD lead you to believe that you can stop
any quicker than a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle. The added traction performance
d FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 193 [DR16095(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not let the added driving traction of
E-4WD lead you to believe that you can stop
any quicker than a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle. The added traction performance
d](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-173.png)
193 [DR16095(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not let the added driving traction of
E-4WD lead you to believe that you can stop
any quicker than a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle. The added traction performance
does not improve the braking ability of the
E-4WD vehicle. Allow the same amount of
distance when braking as with a two-wheel
drive vehicle.
[DR16096(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Your E-4WD Aerostar is a passenger
vehicle designed for on-road use; it is not
intended for any off-road use.
[DR16097(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
On-vehicle wheel balancing will cause
damage to the drivetrain of E-4WD
Aerostars.
%
*
[DR21400(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600(ALL)06/95]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
*
[DR21900(ALL)10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR22000(ALL)08/95]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 194
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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 di FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 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 di](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-174.png)
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.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 195
*
[DR22900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possib FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual 195
*
[DR22900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possib](/manual-img/11/4751/w960_4751-175.png)
195
*
[DR22900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[DR22910(ALL)07/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
%*
[DR23200(ALL)07/95]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
%*
[DR23300(ALL)07/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995