1997 FORD AEROSTAR battery

224
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[ER24510(ALL)02/96]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[ER24520(ALL)02/96]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER24530(ALL)02/96]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
[ER24540(ALL)03/96]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Turn
the function selector knob to theV
position. Turn off all other switches.
%*
[ER24550(ALL)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER24560(ALL)02/96]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[ER24570(ALL)02/96]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[ER24580(ALL)02/96]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (S) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[ER24590(ALL)01/96]
4. Connect the other end of that cable to a
good metallic surface on the engine or frame
of the disabled vehicle. The following
illustration shows where you can find a
metallic surface.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

225
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[ER24600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (S) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
[ER24610(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095070-A
Attaching jumper cables
*
[ER24620(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER24630(ALL)02/96]
1. Make sure that the jumper cables are not in
the way of moving engine parts, then start
the booster vehicle. Run the engine at a
moderate speed.
*
[ER24640(ALL)02/96]
2. Let the discharged battery charge for a few
minutes and then start the disabled vehicle.
It may take a couple of tries before the
vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start
after several attempts, there may be a
different problem.
*
[ER24650(ALL)02/96]
3. When both vehicles are running, let them
idle for a few minutes to charge the
discharged battery.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

226 %
*
[ER24660(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
*
[ER24670(ALL)02/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER24680(ALL)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24690(ALL)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24692(ALL)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER24694(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER24695(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER24700(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER24750(ALL)01/96]
The recommended method to tow your Aerostar
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable. On
vehicles equipped with an under-vehicle spare
tire carrier, remove the tire assembly from the
carrier and store it in a secure area before
towing. For E-4WD vehicles, the 4-wheel drive
system must be disabled prior to towing. The
transmission must be in N (Neutral) and the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position to
disable the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive System.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

230any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication
that your vehicle may need service. If you do
notice something unusual, see that your vehicle
is serviced promptly.
*
[MC01350(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[MC01400(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.
%
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02200(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 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

249
%*
[MC15000(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC15010(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The
vents are part of the cover and cannot be
removed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
*
[MC15020(ALL)01/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC15030(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
*
[MC15040(ALL)01/96]
If your original equipment battery requires
replacement (under warranty), it may in some
cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance
battery has removable vent caps for checking the
electrolyte level and for adding water, if needed.
*
[MC15045(ALL)01/96]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often
in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cell.
*
[MC15050(ALL)01/96]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low,
you can add plain tap water to the battery, as
long as you don't use hard water, or water with
a high mineral or alkali content. If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

250 %
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[MC15070(ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC15080(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC15090(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
% [MC15100(ALL)04/96]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install
a new battery, or experience a dead battery you
must allow the computer to ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive
properly. To let the engine do this, put the
gearshift in P (Park), turn off all the accessories,
and start the vehicle. Let the engine idle for at
least one minute.
*
[MC15110(ALL)01/96]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle
will eventually relearn its idle while you drive
it, but it takes much longer than if you use the
previous procedure.
*
[MC15130(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Do not
allow flames, sparks or lit tobacco to come
near the battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also provide
ventilation.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

251 %
*
[MC15150(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC15170(ALL)02/96]
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.
%*
[MC15190(ALL)02/96]
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.
%
*
[MC24500(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC24600(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[MC24700(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[MC24800(ALL)01/96]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996