1997 FORD AEROSTAR air condition

197
*
[GF39300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF39400(ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF39500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[GF39600(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF39725(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[GF39800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
*
[GF39900(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[GF40000(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF40100(ALL)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

231
*
[MC02500(ALL)01/96]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[MC02600(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
*
[MC02650(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC02700(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[MC02725(ALL)01/96]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02750(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine on:
*
[MC02785(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[MC02800(ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[MC02900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[MC02950(ALL)02/96]
Opening the Hood
*
[MC03000(ALL)01/96]
1. Pull the hood release handle, located next to
the parking brake pedal.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

253
*
[MC25900(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC26100(ALL)03/96]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has
been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can
find proper cold pressure and load limits of
recommended size tires on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC26150(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
%*
[MC26200(ALL)01/96]
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
*
[MC26300(ALL)03/96]
Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails,
glass or other objects that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may
permit air to leak from the tire, and make the
necessary repairs.
*
[MC26400(ALL)03/96]
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and
other damage. If you suspect internal damage to
the tire, have it demounted and checked. You
may need to repair or replace it.
[MC26410(ALL)01/96]
Wheel inspection and maintenance
*
[MC26420(ALL)03/96]
Check for damage that would affect the runout
of the wheels. Wobble or shimmy will eventually
damage the wheel bearings.
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

283
*
[MC50600(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a
small, hidden area of fabric. If the
fabric's color or texture is adversely
affected by a particular cleaner, do not
use it.
% [MC50700(ALL)04/96]
Cleaning the Built-In Child Seat (if
equipped)
*
[MC50720(ALL)01/96]
Your Built-In Child Seat may be cleaned with
mild soap and water. Do not use household
cleaners as they may weaken the webbing or
damage the plastic parts. For your convenience,
the liner can be removed, machine-washed, and
air-dried.
%*
[MC50750(ALL)02/96]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC50775(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
%
*
[MC56000(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Storage
*
[MC56100(ALL)01/96]
Maintenance Tips
*
[MC56150(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC56200(ALL)01/96]
General
*
[MC56300(ALL)01/96]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[MC56400(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[MC56500(ALL)01/96]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 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

Index 345
H
Hazard flashers............ 78,199
Headlamps
aiming................ 272
checking alignment.......... 272
cleaning............... 281
daytime running lights......... 72
replacing bulbs............ 272
turning on and off........... 71
warning chime............. 14
Heating
heating and air conditioning system . . . 62
rear seat controls............ 67
standard heater system......... 65
High beams
indicator light............. 14
operation............... 71
High-mount brakelamp, description..... 72
High-mount brakelamp:location...... 72
Hitch................. 194
Hood
latch location............. 231
lubrication specifications........ 296
release lever............. 231
working under the hood....... 230
Hoses, checking............. 243
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) . . . 300
Idle
relearning..........226, 230, 250
speed................ 156
Ignition
chime................. 14
positions of the ignition......... 74
Indicator lights and chimes (see Lights) . . . 7
Infant seats (see Safety seats).....128, 130
Instrument cluster............. 9
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996