1997 FORD AEROSTAR warning

263
the fuel cap. The ratcheting mechanism allows
the fuel cap to be sealed without overtightening.
*
[MC35780(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[MC35790(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[MC35800(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC35825(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC35850(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[MC35860(ALL)01/96]
q
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
The service stations sometimes sell winter
grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC35870(ALL)01/96]
q
Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high
altitudes.
*
[MC35880(ALL)01/96]
q
Extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[MC35890(ALL)01/96]
q
Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended
periods on extremely hot days.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

265
*
[MC36010(ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
%*
[MC36040(ALL)05/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC36070(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[MC36090(ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
*
[MC36200(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
%*
[MC36300(ALL)04/96]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[MC36315(ALL)05/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve
air quality, including reformulated gasolines that
contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives
to protect the fuel system.
%*
[MC36400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[MC36420(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled.
*
[MC36425(ALL)01/96]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

266
*
[MC36430(ALL)08/95]
q
Do not smoke when refueling. Fuels are
extremely flammable.
*
[MC36435(ALL)08/95]
q
Do not siphon any fuel by mouth.
*
[MC36440(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Gasoline or gasoline blended with
methanol can cause blindness and
possible death when swallowed. If any
fuel is swallowed, call a physician or
poison control center immediately.
*
[MC36450(ALL)08/95]
q
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling.
*
[MC36500(ALL)08/95]
q
If fuel is splashed on the skin, wash with
soap and water.
*
[MC36510(ALL)08/95]
q
If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact
lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15
minutes, and seek medical attention.
*
[MC36520(ALL)01/96]
Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene.
Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors
has caused cancer in laboratory animals.
*
[MC36530(ALL)01/96]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or
other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a
gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same
kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic
beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness could result. Consult
a physician promptly if you experience an
adverse reaction.
*
[MC36600(ALL)02/96]
Filling the fuel tank
*
[MC36700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure
in an overfilled tank may cause leakage
and lead to fuel spray and fire.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

270
*
[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC38410(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC38420(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC38430(ALL)08/95]
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.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

273
*
[MC46000(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC46050(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the bulb is accidently touched, it
should be cleaned with rubbing
alcohol before being used.
*
[MC46100(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC46300(ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC46400(ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure that the headlamp switch on the
instrument panel is in the OFF position.
[MC46675(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the screws that attach the headlamp
trim to the vehicle.
[MC46750(ALL)01/96]
3. Remove the headlamp trim.
[MC46820(ALL)01/96]
4. Remove the four screws (two on top and
two on bottom) that attach the headlamp to
the vehicle.
[MC46830(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020850-AFile:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

336 Index
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 72
Automatic transmission
fluid, adding............. 248
fluid, checking............ 247
fluid, refill capacities......... 294
fluid, specification........... 296
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 296
refill capacities............ 294
traction lok............177, 254
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies.....223, 250
charging system warning light...... 13
disconnecting............. 226
how to service............ 249
jumping a disabled battery....... 222
maintenance-free........... 249
proper disposal, recycling....... 250
replacement, specifications....... 293
servicing............... 249
voltage gauge............ 13,15
when storing your vehicle....... 285
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 9
checking and adding......... 236
description.............. 236
specifications...........237, 296
Brakelamp, high-mount brakelamp..... 72
Brakes
adjustment.............. 163
anti-lock............... 163
applying the brakes.......... 166
brake warning light........... 9
fluid, checking and adding....... 236
fluid, refill capacities.......236, 294
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

338 Index
Charging system gauge.......... 15
Charging system warning light....... 13
Child safety restraints
built-in child seat........... 141
child safety belts........... 150
child safety seats........... 130
Child safety seats
and air bags............. 130
attaching with tether straps...... 139
automatic locking mode (retractor) . 112, 130
built-in child seat........... 141
in front seat............. 130
in rear outboard seat......... 130
in rear seat.............. 130
tether anchorage hardware....... 139
Chime
headlamps on.............. 14
key in ignition............. 14
safety belt............... 11
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 209
see also fuses............. 200
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat........... 283
CD player and discs........... 32
chrome and aluminum parts...... 280
engine compartment.......... 281
exterior............... 280
exterior lamps............ 281
fabric................ 282
headlamps.............. 281
instrument panel......... 61,281
instrument panel lens......... 282
interior................ 282
interior lamps............. 282
mirrors................. 91
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 339
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
plastic parts............. 281
polishing............... 280
rear windows............. 70
rustproofing............. 280
safety belts.............. 283
tail lamps.............. 281
upholstery and interior trim...... 282
washing............... 280
waxing............... 280
wheels................ 281
windows................ 70
Climate control system
air conditioning............ 62
heating................ 62
heating only system........... 65
Clock................ 28,44
Cold engine starting........... 154
Combination lap and shoulder belts . 108, 110
Compact disc player
(see Electronic sound system).... 22,29
Compact disc radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 22
Console, description............ 92
Controls, mirrors............. 91
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 211
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 240
drain and flush............ 243
preparing for storage......... 285
refill capacities............ 294
specifications............. 296
temperature gauge........... 17
warnings............... 240
Cooling fan............... 230
Crankcase emission filter......... 293
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.). . 305
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........305, 310
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996