1996 FORD AEROSTAR maintenance

304
*
[SV31968(ALL)03/95]
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to
clean with regular detergent, use Ford Extra
Strength Whitewall Tire Cleaner or equivalent.
Follow the directions on the container and rinse
the tires with plenty of clean water.
%
*
[SV32100(ALL)03/95]
Battery
*
[SV32200(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The
vents are part of the cover and cannot be
removed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
*
[SV32300(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[SV32400(ALL)07/95]
Battery replacement
*
[SV32500(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires
replacement (under warranty), it may in some
cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance
battery has removable vent caps for checking the
electrolyte level and for adding water, if needed.
*
[SV32600(ALL)07/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often
in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cell.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

309 [SV35800(ALL)07/95]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[SV36000(ALL)06/93]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment universal joints are replaced
with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet.
%
*
[SV36300(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV36350(ALL)05/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[SV36400(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
*
[SV36500(ALL)08/95]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[SV36550(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[SV36560(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

331
%*
[SV48600(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV48700(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV48800(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV48900(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV49000(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV49100(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV49200(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule.
*
[SV49300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV49400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment
floor covering or insulation, do not let
passengers ride in your truck in a manner
that allows contact between skin and the
metal floor.
*
[SV49500(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

332
*
[SV49600(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV49700(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV49800(ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV49900(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV50000(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[SV50010(ALL)07/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
Testing
*
[SV50020(ALL)07/95]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies a
ªneed for additional mixed city and highway
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

342 [SV53850(ALL)08/95]
eighteen pica chart:0095074-A
%*
[SV56000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV56100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV56150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV56200(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV56300(ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV56400(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV56500(ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

360 Index
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive..... 188
fluid, adding............. 308
fluid, checking............ 307
fluid, refill capacities......... 335
fluid, specification........... 338
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 338
refill capacities............ 335
traction lok............201, 297
B
Backing up............... 188
Basic vehicle warranty........... 4
Battery................. 304
acid, treating emergencies.....225, 305
charging system warning light...... 81
disconnecting............. 228
how to service............ 304
jumping a disabled battery....... 225
maintenance-free........... 304
proper disposal, recycling....... 305
replacement, specifications....... 337
servicing............... 304
voltage gauge.............. 82
when storing your vehicle....... 344
Brake fluid............... 309
brake warning light........... 75
checking and adding......... 309
description.............. 309
specifications...........310, 338
Brakelamp, high-mount......... 106
Brakes................. 193
adjustment.............. 193
anti-lock............... 193
applying the brakes.......... 196
brake warning light........... 75
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

374 Index
Safety defects, reporting......... 252
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 278
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts....... 13,21
automatic locking mode......... 15
center front lap belt........... 20
center rear lap belt........... 20
cleaning the safety belts......... 23
extension assembly........... 22
for adults............... 11
for children............... 32
for infants............. 32,34
for pregnant women........... 11
lap and shoulder belts........ 11,13
maintenance.............. 22
proper use............... 11
replacement.............. 22
untwisting or unjamming
the safety belt............ 23
warning light and chime......... 77
Safety seats for children.......... 34
attaching with tether straps....... 46
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 15, 34
built-in child seat............ 48
in front seat.............. 34
in rear outboard............ 34
in rear seat............... 34
tether anchorage hardware........ 46
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)....... 11
Seats.................. 128
adjusting the seat, manual....... 128
child safety seats............ 34
cleaning upholstery.......... 142
lumbar support............ 142
quick release rear captain's chair.... 131
reclining the seat........... 128
seat/bed conversion.......... 141
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995