1996 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

196
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[DR23700(ALL)07/95]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[DR24000(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100(ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[DR24300(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24500(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

197 %
*
[DR24600(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR24650(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you
park your vehicle.
[DR24700(ALL)01/89]
The parking brake is a hand operated lever
located on the floor of your van just to the right
of the driver's seat.
[DR24750(ALL)12/91]
To set the parking brake while parking your
van, press the brake pedal with your right foot
and hold it while you fully apply the parking
brake lever.
[DR24900(ALL)08/95]
To release the parking brake, press the brake
pedal with your right foot, depress the release
button in the parking brake lever while pulling
up on the lever, and then lower the lever all the
way to the floor.
[DR24910(ALL)11/89]
quarter page art:0020566-A
Parking Brake
*
[DR24960(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

198
*
[DR25050(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
%
*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR25350(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[DR25401(ALL)02/95]
q
Extreme braking can cause the front wheels
to lock and slide, making it difficult to
control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake
pedal with steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to brake yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction
you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the
ªsqueezeº technique.
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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.
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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.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

201 %
*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

202
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
%
*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

203
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995