1997 FORD AEROSTAR automatic transmission

177
*
[GF15000(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF15100(ALL)06/96]
To gain acceleration inj(Overdrive) or Drive
(Overdrive off) when passing another vehicle,
push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate
gear: fourth, third, second or first gear.
%
*
[GF15600(ALL)05/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle
(If equipped)
*
[GF15700(ALL)05/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[GF15800(ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
[GF16005(ALL)01/96]Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
(If equipped)
[GF16015(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with the E-4WD
option, power is provided to all four wheels
whenever you press the accelerator pedal. It
improves both handling and traction during
difficult driving conditions, adjusting
automatically to your driving needs. Because the
entire E-4WD system is controlled by a
microprocessor, your vehicle is not equipped
with the switch or shift lever used with most
traditional 4WD vehicles. The microprocessor
does all the adjusting for you.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

193
*
[GF33645(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmissions
[GF33650(ALL)05/96]
thirty-two pica chart:0095069-B*
[GF36500(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF36550(ALL)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

196 %
*
[GF38540(ALL)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF38600(ALL)05/96]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a
vehicle equipped with an automatic overdrive
transmission, you may wish to operate in Drive
(by cancelling Overdrive with OVERDRIVE OFF
button) rather thanj(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting
to maintain speed. Switch back to Overdrive
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling. This can be accomplished by pushing in
the switch located on the end of the indicator
lever.
*
[GF38800(ALL)03/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into the 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position.
[GF38925(ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF38950(ALL)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
*
[GF39000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF39100(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF39200(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

246
*
[MC09200(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC09210(ALL)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[MC09220(ALL)01/96]
Use only a power steering fluid such as Ford
Power Steering Fluid Motorcraft MERCONH
ATF.
*
[MC09230(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC09240(ALL)03/96]
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).
*
[MC09250(ALL)01/96]
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.
%
*
[MC10000(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC10100(ALL)05/96]
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.
*
[MC10110(ALL)01/96]
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
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

247
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC10120(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC10130(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC10140(ALL)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the gearshift lever through all
of the gear ranges allowing sufficiant time for
each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set
the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC10150(ALL)01/96]
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).
[MC10160(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC10170(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

248 %
*
[MC10180(ALL)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC10190(ALL)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the
correct type will be used.
*
[MC10200(ALL)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. If an overfill occurs, excess
fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC10220(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
[MC10230(ALL)04/96]
quarter page art:0020372-E
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC10500(ALL)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[MC10520(ALL)03/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment universal joints are replaced
with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet.
File: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

340 Index
D
Daytime running light system....... 72
Defects, reporting............ 301
Defrost, rear window........... 69
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....246, 248
engine oil.............. 234
power steering fluid.......... 244
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 226
Dispute Settlement Board........ 306
Doors
door ajar warning light......... 11
lubricant specifications......... 296
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 248
Driving under special conditions,
heavy load.............. 179
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 209
fuses................. 200
operating when the engine is off..... 74
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 49
Electronic sound system
accessory delay............. 74
tuning the radio........ 23,37,49
warranty and service information..... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 49
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 49
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 303
battery acid spills.........223, 251
fuel................. 265
jump-starting............. 222
towing................ 226
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996