1996 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

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.
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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

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

223
*
[DR40600(ALL)01/93]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[DR40700(ALL)05/95]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40800(ALL)08/95]
q
Start the engine.
*
[DR40900(ALL)08/95]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[DR41000(ALL)08/95]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[DR41100(ALL)05/95]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
[DR41200(ALL)08/95]
Luggage Rack (If equipped)
[DR41300(ALL)08/95]
Always distribute your luggage load evenly. Do
not load more than 100 pounds (45 kg) onto
rack or cause the vehicle to exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
[DR41400(ALL)08/95]
The crossbars and cross slats are adjustable.
Loosen the adjustment screws, slide the bars and
slats as necessary, and retighten the screws.
[DR41500(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are
securely fastened.
[DR41600(ALL)08/95]
Use caution to avoid scratching the paint. Drive
carefully and avoid sudden starts and stops.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

225
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00400(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[RE00500(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[RE00600(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00700(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00900(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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226
*
[RE00910(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE00950(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
*
[RE01000(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300(ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01400(ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
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227
*
[RE01500(ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
[RE01600(ALL)08/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Turn
the function selector knob to theV
position. Turn off all other switches and
gauges.
%*
[RE01700(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE01800(ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[RE01900(ALL)04/95]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[RE02000(ALL)07/95]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (S) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[RE02100(ALL)03/95]
4. Connect the other end of that cable to a
good metallic surface on the engine or frame
of the disabled vehicle. The following
illustration shows where you can find a
metallic surface.
*
[RE02200(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (S) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
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228 [RE02300(ALL)08/95]
one third page art:0095070-AAttaching jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting
*
[RE02600(ALL)03/95]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderate speed.
*
[RE02700(ALL)03/95]
2. Let the discharged battery charge for a few
minutes and then start the disabled vehicle.
It may take a couple of tries before the
vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start
after several attempts, there may be a
different problem.
*
[RE02800(ALL)03/95]
3. When both vehicles are running, let them
idle for a few minutes to charge the
discharged battery.
%*
[RE02900(ALL)03/95]
Removing jumper cables
*
[RE03000(ALL)03/95]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[RE03100(ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
File:12cprea.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:46:27 1995