Page 250 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 251 %
*
[MC15150(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC15170(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flus FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 251 %
*
[MC15150(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[MC15170(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flus](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-249.png)
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.
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Page 269 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 st FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 st](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-268.png)
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.
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Page 272 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 273
*
[MC46000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of childrens reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 273
*
[MC46000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of childrens reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-271.png)
273
*
[MC46000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to break the
next time the headlamps are operated.
*
[MC46050(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the bulb is accidently touched, it
should be cleaned with rubbing
alcohol before being used.
*
[MC46100(ALL)01/96]
Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you
can immediately replace it with a new one. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the headlamp housing
and affect its performance.
*
[MC46300(ALL)03/96]
Removing the headlamp bulb
*
[MC46400(ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure that the headlamp switch on the
instrument panel is in the OFF position.
[MC46675(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the screws that attach the headlamp
trim to the vehicle.
[MC46750(ALL)01/96]
3. Remove the headlamp trim.
[MC46820(ALL)01/96]
4. Remove the four screws (two on top and
two on bottom) that attach the headlamp to
the vehicle.
[MC46830(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020850-AFile:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 281 %
*
[MC50110(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC50120(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicles exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 281 %
*
[MC50110(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC50120(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicles exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-279.png)
281 %
*
[MC50110(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC50120(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC50130(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC50140(ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC50150(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC50160(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[MC50170(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
*
[MC50180(ALL)03/96]
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to
clean with regular detergent, use Ford Extra
Strength Whitewall Tire Cleaner or equivalent.
Follow the directions on the container and rinse
the tires with plenty of clean water.
%*
[MC50200(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
*
[MC50210(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these
may cause scratches or crack the lamps.
*
[MC50300(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[MC50310(ALL)01/96]
A clean engine is more efficient because a
buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator,
keeping the engine warmer than usual.
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Page 283 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 284
*
[MC56600(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC56700(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC5 FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 284
*
[MC56600(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC56700(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC5](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-282.png)
284
*
[MC56600(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC56700(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC56800(ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[MC56900(ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[MC57000(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[MC57100(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC57200(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC57300(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[MC57350(ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[MC57400(ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[MC57500(ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[MC57600(ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[MC57700(ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[MC57900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
File:11cpmca.ex
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Page 331 of 347

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
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Page 333 of 347

342 Index
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 234
checking and adding......... 234
dipstick............... 234
disposal.............230, 248
engine oil pressure gauge........ 16
filter, specifications.......... 293
refill capacities............ 294
specifications...........233, 296
synthetic oil............. 233
ªbreak-inº oils............. 5
viscosity............... 233
Entry system, illuminated......... 73
Exhaust fumes............. 160
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 3
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 230
Federal Communications Commission.... 58
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation............... 5
Flashers, hazard........... 78,199
Flat tire................. 209
Fluid refill capacities........... 294
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 305
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 306
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 3
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 310
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 310
Foreign registration........... 312
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles, special notice . . 5
Four-wheeling with Ford supplement.... 5
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
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Page 335 of 347

344 Index
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 260
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . . 264, 268
Gasohol................ 265
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 260
Gauges, Mechanical
battery voltage gauge.......... 15
charging system gauge......... 15
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 17
engine oil pressure gauge........ 16
fuel gauge............... 17
odometer................ 20
speedometer.............. 18
trip odometer.............. 20
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 187
definition.............179, 185
driving with a heavy load....... 179
location............... 185
Gearshift
automatic operation.......... 170
column-mounted........... 170
gearshift override.........155, 171
locking the gearshift........... 74
positions............... 170
shifting the gears........... 170
shift-lock.............155, 171
Gearshift:shifting the gears........ 170
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 187
definition.............179, 184
driving with a heavy load....... 179
location............... 185
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996