1996 FORD AEROSTAR check engine

305
*
[SV32700(ALL)02/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low,
you can add plain tap water to the battery, as
long as you don't use hard water, or water with
a high mineral or alkali content. If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked.
%*
[SV32725(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV32750(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[SV32775(ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV32900(ALL)05/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install
a new battery, or experience a dead battery you
must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive
properly. To let the engine do this, put the
gearshift in P (Park), turn off all the accessories,
and start the vehicle. Let the engine idle for at
least one minute.
*
[SV33000(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle
will eventually relearn its idle while you drive
it, but it takes much longer than if you use the
previous procedure.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 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.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

311
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV37900(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV38100(ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV38200(ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

313
*
[SV38800(ALL)07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[SV38850(ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[SV38900(ALL)06/95]
Use only a power steering fluid such as Ford
Power Steering Fluid Motorcraft MERCONH
ATF.
*
[SV39200(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[SV39400(ALL)02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[SV39405(ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
%
*
[SV39500(ALL)03/95]
Fuses
*
[SV39600(ALL)12/91]
Fuses and circuit breakers protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical
parts in your vehicle are not working, the
system may have been overloaded and blown a
fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Before you
replace or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate fuses or circuit breakers.
*
[SV39700(ALL)10/89]
The following charts tell you which fuses or
circuit breakers protect each electrical part of
your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker
opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that
use that circuit will not work.
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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.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

333
driving to complete the checkº of the OBD II
system. As soon as all of the OBD II system
checks are successfully completed, the OBD II
system is set to the ready condition. The amount
of driving required to reach the ready condition
varies with individual driving patterns. To
complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle
defined below. If the vehicle owner cannot or
does not want to do the additional driving
required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
*
[SV50030(ALL)07/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV50040(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order
shown. If any steps are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps.
*
[SV50050(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according
to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.
[SV50055(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: When instructions read ªin drive,º use
the standard Overdrive gear. It is not
necessary to turn Overdrive off with
the OVERDRIVE OFF button. For more
information on Overdrive, refer to the
Automatic Overdrive Transmission
section of theDriving Your Aerostar
chapter.
*
[SV50060(ALL)07/95]
The engine must be warmed up and at
operating temperature before proceeding with
the drive modes of the following OBD II Drive
Cycle.
*
[SV50070(ALL)06/95]
1. Start the engine. Drive or idle (in neutral)
the vehicle for 4 minutes.
*
[SV50080(ALL)06/95]
2. Idle the vehicle in drive for 40 seconds.
*
[SV50090(ALL)07/95]
3. Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (70 km/h)
at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle for 10 seconds.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

362 Index
Changing a tire............. 229
Charging system gauge.......... 82
Charging system warning light....... 81
Child safety restraints........... 32
built-in child seat............ 48
child safety belts............ 58
child safety seats............ 34
Child safety seats............. 34
attaching with tether straps....... 46
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 15, 34
built-in child seat............ 48
in front seat.............. 34
in rear outboard seat.......... 34
in rear seat............... 34
tether anchorage hardware........ 46
Chime
headlamps on.............. 84
key in ignition............. 62
safety belt............... 77
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 322
see also fuses............. 313
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat............ 57
CD player and discs.......... 160
chrome and aluminum parts....... 9
engine compartment.......... 272
exterior................ 8
exterior lamps............ 102
fabric................ 142
headlamps.............. 102
instrument panel............ 91
instrument panel lens......... 108
interior lamps............. 105
mirrors................ 144
plastic parts.............. 9
polishing................ 8
rear windows............. 100
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995

Index 363
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
rustproofing.............. 9
safety belts............... 23
tail lamps.............. 102
upholstery and interior trim...... 142
washing................ 8
waxing................ 8
wheels................ 303
windows............... 100
Climate control system.......... 91
air conditioning............ 92
heating only system........... 95
Clock...............155, 171
Clutch, specifications.......... 338
Cold engine starting............ 65
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . 11, 13
Compact disc player
(see Electronic sound system)..... 156
Compact disc radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 150
Console, description........... 145
Controls
instrument panel............ 89
mirrors............... 144
steering column........... 109
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 284
checking and adding......... 284
drain and flush............ 289
preparing for storage......... 344
proper solution............ 286
refill capacities..........289, 335
specifications............. 338
temperature gauge........... 85
warnings............... 284
Cruise control (see Speed control).... 115
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995