1996 FORD AEROSTAR check oil

83 %
*
[LG07500(ALL)05/94]
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
*
[LG07601(ALL)06/93]
This gauge indicates the engine's oil pressure,
not the oil level. However, if your engine's oil
level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With
the engine running, the pointer should move
into the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops
below the NORMAL band while the engine is
running, you have lost oil pressure and
continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
*
[LG07701(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG07801(ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG07901(ALL)04/95]
2. Shut off the engine immediately or severe
engine damage could result.
*
[LG08001(ALL)02/95]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil. Refer toEngine oilin the Index. If you
do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured. To assure an
accurate reading, your vehicle should be on
level ground.
*
[LG08051(ALL)03/93]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary before you start the engine again.
Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if
the pointer is below the NORMAL band,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.
*
[LG08200(ALL)03/93]
quarter page art:0020057-D
Engine oil pressure gauge
File:05cplga.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:36:50 1995

283 %
*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)03/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(ALL)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)06/95]
quarter page art:0095016-A
Engine oil dipstick
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

284
*
[SV14500(ALL)03/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[SV14700(ALL)03/95]
Adding engine oil
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%
*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400(ALL)03/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17500(ALL)02/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17700(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine Compartmentin this chapter.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

306
*
[SV33200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury.
Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or
lit tobacco to come near the battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always
cover your face and protect your eyes, and
also provide ventilation.
%*
[SV33300(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[SV33310(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.
%*
[SV33400(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.
%
*
[SV33500(ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33601(ALL)06/95]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions.
However, if the transmission is not working
properly, for instance, the transmission may slip
or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of
fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

323 %
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[SV45600(ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[SV45700(ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
%*
[SV45800(ALL)03/95]
Headlamp Bulb
*
[SV45900(ALL)01/95]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable
bulbs. When the lamp burns out, simply replace
the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.
*
[SV46000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to break the
next time the headlamps are operated.
*
[SV46050(ALL)12/91]
NOTE: If the bulb is accidently touched, it
should be cleaned with rubbing
alcohol before being used.
*
[SV46100(ALL)01/95]
Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you
can immediately replace it with a new one. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the headlamp housing
and affect its performance.
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

366 Index
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 85
Engine fan............... 266
Engine idle speed control......... 67
Engine knocking............. 276
Engine oil............... 282
checking and adding......... 283
dipstick............... 283
disposal............... 266
engine oil pressure gauge........ 83
filter, specifications.......... 337
refill capacities............ 335
specifications...........282, 338
synthetic oil............. 282
ªbreak-inº oils............. 7
viscosity............... 282
Entry system, illuminated........ 107
Exhaust fumes.............. 71
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 266
Federal Communications Commission . . . 184
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 6
Flashers, hazard............. 113
Flashing the lamps........... 110
Flat tire................. 229
Fluid refill capacities........... 335
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 247
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 248
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 253
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 253
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