1996 FORD AEROSTAR coolant level

85 [LG10000(ALL)05/91]
one inch art:0020061-C
Fuel gauge
%*
[LG11100(ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG11201(ALL)03/95]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
*
[LG11301(ALL)08/95]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
*
[LG11401(ALL)05/95]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:36:50 1995

86
*
[LG11501(ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG11601(ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
*
[LG11701(ALL)01/95]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[LG11801(ALL)05/95]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[LG11901(ALL)04/95]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
[LG12325(ALL)03/93]
quarter page art:0020541-B
Engine coolant temperature gauge
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:36:50 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.
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285 [SV17740(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
*
[SV17750(ALL)03/95]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
[SV17765(ALL)08/95]
1. Before you remove the radiator cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool. Even when the
engine is cool, be careful when you remove
the radiator cap.
[SV17770(ALL)05/95]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to the first stop.
[SV17775(ALL)03/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV17780(ALL)03/95]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to turn and
remove cap.
[SV17785(ALL)03/95]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
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286 [SV17950(ALL)08/95]Adding Engine Coolant
[SV18000(ALL)08/95]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant to reservoir
[SV20075()08/95]
RWARNING
Be careful not to add engine coolant to
the windshield washer fluid reservoir. If
sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the
windshield.
[SV20100()08/95]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir - DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in
an emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
[SV20125()08/95]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
[SV20150()08/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
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288 [SV20375()08/95]Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
[SV20400()08/95]
Coolant refill capacity
[SV20425()08/95]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, seeRefill capacities for
fluidsin the Index.
[SV20450()08/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
[SV20475()08/95]
Severe winter climate
[SV20490()08/95]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
-34ÊF [-36ÊC]), it may benecessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[SV20500(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV20600(ALL)10/89]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
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290 [SV22000(ALL)03/91]3. Turn the heater (temperature and mode
selection) knobs to maximum heat positions
and operate the engine at fast idle
(approximately 2000 RPM) for three to four
minutes.
*
[SV22200(ALL)05/95]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
[SV22300(ALL)05/89]
5. Add the engine coolant mixture to a level
approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches (38 mm)
below the filler neck seat.
[SV22400(ALL)05/89]
6. Reinstall the radiator cap fully and back off
to the first stop. Once again, turn the engine
at fast idle until the upper radiator hose is
warm and the thermostat is open.
[SV22550(ALL)05/89]
7. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
[SV22555(ALL)05/95]
8. If more engine coolant is necessary, remove
the small plug from the top of the engine
coolant recovery reservoir (not the large cap
of the windshield washer reservoir) and add
1.1 quarts (1 liter) of the 50/50 engine
coolant mixture. Replace the plug in its
original position.
*
[SV22565(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L
engine cooling system, it is not
unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500
miles (12,000 km) after initial system
fill.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

291
*
[SV22620(ALL)06/95]
In order to bleed the cooling system properly
after initial fill with coolant, it might need up
to five cycles of:
*
[SV22630(ALL)06/95]
q
heating up the system (thermostat open)
*
[SV22640(ALL)06/95]
q
making sure coolant is at least up to the
cold fill mark of overflow bottle
*
[SV22650(ALL)06/95]
q
letting the coolant cool down (engine
coolant temperature gauge below the N of
NORMAL)
*
[SV22660(ALL)06/95]
q
topping off the coolant overflow bottle to
the cold fill mark
*
[SV22680(ALL)06/95]
If coolant loss continues after 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), consult your Ford Dealer.
%
*
[SV22700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV22800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
*
[SV22900(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
*
[SV23300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[SV23400(ALL)01/89]
quarter page art:0020358-A
Windshield washer reservoir
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995