1997 FORD AEROSTAR check engine

160
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[TO09300(ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[TO09400(ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
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[TO09600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
[TO09700(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle has rear windows and doors that
were installed as part of a van conversion, close
them while it is running. This prevents exhaust
fumes from being drawn into the passenger
compartment.
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[TO09900(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
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[TO10000(ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
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[TO10100(ALL)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
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[TO10200(ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
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[TO10300(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
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[TO10400(ALL)01/96]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
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[TO10600(ALL)01/96]
q
HEATING Ð Set fan speed at MEDIUM or
HIGH, the function selector knob on VENT,
FLOOR, MIX, or the DEFROST symbol and
the temperature control knob on any desired
position.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

165
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[GF01150(ALL)01/96]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
%*
[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
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[GF01250(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
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[GF01300(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Pull
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[GF01350(ALL)03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
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[GF01400(ALL)03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
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[GF01450(ALL)03/96]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[GF01500(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
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[GF01550(ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

168
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[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
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[GF04150(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
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[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
[GF10000(ALL)03/96]Automatic Transmission
Operation (4R44E/5R55E)
[GF10050(ALL)06/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, it will be either a four speed
overdrive transmission (4R44E) or a five speed
overdrive transmission (5R55E). All 3.0L engines
use the 4R44E transmission, while all 4.0L
engines use the 5R55E transmission. Both
transmission types have a lockup torque
converter. Transmission operation is controlled
by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

197
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF39600(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
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[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.
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[GF39800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
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[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:
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[GF40000(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
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[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

200
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[ER00200(ALL)05/96]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
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[ER00250(ALL)05/96]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
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[ER00260(ALL)05/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
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[ER00275(ALL)05/96]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
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[ER00400(ALL)05/96]
Fuses
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[ER00410(ALL)01/96]
Fuses and circuit breakers protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical
parts in your vehicle are not working, the
system may have been overloaded and blown a
fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Before you
replace or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate fuses or circuit breakers.
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[ER00415(ALL)01/96]
The following charts tell you which fuses or
circuit breakers protect each electrical part of
your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker
opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that
use that circuit will not work.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[ER24550(ALL)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
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[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.
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[ER24570(ALL)02/96]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
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[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.
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[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

229
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[MC00900(ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[MC01050(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
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[MC01300(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that you
perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet. These services
are important for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

234
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[MC06085(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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[MC06090(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC06095(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06110(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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[MC06120(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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[MC06130(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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[MC06140(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[MC06150(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996