1997 FORD AEROSTAR check engine light

235 [MC06160(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0095016-A
Engine oil dipstick
*
[MC06170(ALL)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[MC06180(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[MC06190(ALL)01/96]
Adding engine oil
*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC06210(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
[MC07000(ALL)05/96]
Engine Oil and Filter Changes
*
[MC07100(ALL)05/96]
Change your engine oil and oil filter according
to these mileage and time requirements,
whichever occurs first.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

244 [MC08970(ALL)04/96]NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L
engine cooling system, it is not
unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500
miles (12,000 km) after initial system
fill.
%
*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC09020(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC09030(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC09035(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC09040(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC09045(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC09050(ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

270
*
[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment
floor covering or insulation, do not let
passengers ride in your truck in a manner
that allows contact between skin and the
metal floor.
*
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC38410(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC38420(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38430(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

338 Index
Charging system gauge.......... 15
Charging system warning light....... 13
Child safety restraints
built-in child seat........... 141
child safety belts........... 150
child safety seats........... 130
Child safety seats
and air bags............. 130
attaching with tether straps...... 139
automatic locking mode (retractor) . 112, 130
built-in child seat........... 141
in front seat............. 130
in rear outboard seat......... 130
in rear seat.............. 130
tether anchorage hardware....... 139
Chime
headlamps on.............. 14
key in ignition............. 14
safety belt............... 11
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 209
see also fuses............. 200
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat........... 283
CD player and discs........... 32
chrome and aluminum parts...... 280
engine compartment.......... 281
exterior............... 280
exterior lamps............ 281
fabric................ 282
headlamps.............. 281
instrument panel......... 61,281
instrument panel lens......... 282
interior................ 282
interior lamps............. 282
mirrors................. 91
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 341
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 165
Emission control system
catalytic converter.......... 269
emissions warranty......... 3,269
Engine
check engine warning light....... 12
does not start............ 158
fuel injected engine, starting...... 153
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 158
preparing to start........... 153
refill capacities............ 294
service points............ 297
starting............... 154
starting after a collision........ 158
storing your vehicle.......... 283
Engine block heater........... 157
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 240
checking hoses............ 243
disposal.............230, 248
drain and flush............ 243
preparing for storage......... 285
proper solution..........230, 248
recovery reservoir........240, 297
refill capacities............ 294
specifications............. 296
temperature gauge........... 17
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 17
mechanical............... 17
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:electronic............. 17
Engine fan............... 230
Engine:idle speed control........ 156
Engine knocking............ 264
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

346 Index
Instrument panel............. 59
cleaning............... 282
registers................ 61
Integrated child seat
(see Built-in child seat)........ 141
Interval wipers.............. 76
J
Jack
operation.............216, 219
positioning............216, 219
storage................ 211
Jump-starting your vehicle
attaching cables............ 224
disconnecting cables.......... 226
K
Keys
key in ignition chime.......... 14
positions of the ignition......... 74
stuck in lock position.......... 74
L
Lamps
checking............... 272
daytime running light system...... 72
hazard flashers.......... 78,199
headlamps............... 71
high-mount brakelamp......... 72
illuminated entry system......... 73
interior lamps.............. 71
replacing bulbs............ 272
trailer................ 195
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 75
Lap belts................ 116
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
brake................. 9
charging system............. 13
check engine.............. 12
door ajar................ 11
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

348 Index
N
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration............ 301
New vehicle break-in........... 5
O
Octane rating.............. 264
Odometer
description............... 20
trip odometer.............. 20
Oil filter................ 293
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 233
Oil viscosity.............. 233
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 271
Order forms, service information.... 25,50
Overdrive................ 173
Overseas offices............. 312
P
Parking brake
operation............... 166
warning light.............. 9
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)........ 293
PCV valve, specifications......... 293
Power door locks............. 88
Power features
door locks............... 88
lumbar support............ 106
mirrors................. 91
windows................ 89
Power steering
dipstick............... 244
driving with power steering...... 168
fluid, checking and adding....... 244
fluid, refill capacity.......... 294
fluid, specifications.......... 296
servicing............... 168
Prop rod, hood............. 231
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 353
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 170
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 247
fluid, refill capacities......... 294
lubricant specifications........ 296
Trip odometer.............. 20
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 271
Turn signal
indicator lights............. 75
lever................. 75
U
Used engine oil, disposal......230, 248
V
Variable interval wipers.......... 76
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................ 271
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 300
Vehicle loading............. 181
calculating the load.......... 187
understanding loading information . . . 179
Vehicle storage............. 283
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control).......... 61
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 233
Voltmeter (see Battery voltage gauge) . . 13, 15
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996