1997 FORD AEROSTAR brakes

180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF29001(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF29025(ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF29050(ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(ALL)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29151(ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

195 %
*
[GF38000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF38100(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF38200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF38300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF38400(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
*
[GF38425(ALL)01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
*
[GF38450(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
*
[GF38500(ALL)01/96]
Driving while you tow
*
[GF38520(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

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

237
*
[MC08100(ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC08125(ALL)03/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC08150(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted
surfaces, it must be flushed and wiped
away immediately. Brake fluid may
dissolve the paint finish on your
vehicle.
*
[MC08175(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC08200(ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC08225(ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC08250(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

276 [MC47380(ALL)01/96]6. Apply brakes to confirm the brakelamp is
functional after installing.
[MC47381(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0095018-A
Replacing the high-mount brakelamp bulb Ð liftgate
models only
[MC47383(ALL)01/96]
Dual Rear Door Models
*
[MC47384(ALL)01/96]
To remove the brakelamp:
*
[MC47385(ALL)01/96]
1. Remove the two screws from the surface of
the lens.
[MC47386(ALL)01/96]
2. Pull the lens assembly out of the lamp
housing.
[MC47387(ALL)01/96]
3. Pull the bulb socket out of the lens assembly.
It is not necessary to twist the socket.
[MC47388(ALL)01/96]
4. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
[MC47389(ALL)04/96]
To replace/install the brakelamp:
[MC47396(ALL)01/96]
1. Push the bulb into the socket.
[MC47397(ALL)01/96]
2. Push the socket into the lens assembly.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

285
*
[MC58000(ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[MC58100(ALL)01/96]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
%*
[MC58200(ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[MC58300(ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[MC58400(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC58500(ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[MC58600(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[MC58700(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[MC58800(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[MC58900(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC59000(ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[MC59100(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[MC59200(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[MC59300(ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
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

Index 337
Brakes (continued)
fluid, specifications........237, 296
front disc.............. 163
if brakes do not grip well.....164, 166
master cylinder............ 236
new brake linings............ 5
noise..............163, 165
parking............... 166
power braking............ 163
rear anti-lock............. 164
servicing.............164, 236
stopping distances.......... 165
trailer................ 195
when storing your vehicle....... 285
Brake-shift interlock.........155, 171
Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams)........... 14
Built-in child seat
cleaning............... 283
operation.............. 141
Bulbs, replacing
halogen............... 272
headlamps.............. 272
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 310
Canada, warranty information....... 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 311
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 294
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 160
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats) 130
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system).............. 35,49
Catalytic converter........... 269
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . 29
Chains, tires.............. 259
Changing a tire............. 209
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996