1997 FORD AEROSTAR stop start

196 %
*
[GF38540(ALL)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF38600(ALL)05/96]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a
vehicle equipped with an automatic overdrive
transmission, you may wish to operate in Drive
(by cancelling Overdrive with OVERDRIVE OFF
button) rather thanj(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting
to maintain speed. Switch back to Overdrive
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling. This can be accomplished by pushing in
the switch located on the end of the indicator
lever.
*
[GF38800(ALL)03/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into the 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position.
[GF38925(ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF38950(ALL)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
*
[GF39000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF39100(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF39200(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
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

198
*
[GF40200(ALL)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF40350(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake with your
right hand.
*
[GF40575(ALL)01/96]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF40600(ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[GF40700(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF40800(ALL)01/96]
q
Start the engine.
*
[GF40900(ALL)01/96]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[GF41000(ALL)01/96]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[GF41100(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
[GF41200(ALL)01/96]
Luggage Rack (If equipped)
[GF41300(ALL)01/96]
Always distribute your luggage load evenly. Do
not load more than 100 pounds (45 kg) onto
rack or cause the vehicle to exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
[GF41400(ALL)01/96]
The crossbars and cross slats are adjustable.
Loosen the adjustment screws, slide the bars and
slats as necessary, and retighten the screws.
*
[GF41500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are
securely fastened.
[GF41600(ALL)01/96]
Use caution to avoid scratching the paint. Drive
carefully and avoid sudden starts and stops.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

200
*
[ER00200(ALL)05/96]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[ER00250(ALL)05/96]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[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.
*
[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.
%
*
[ER00400(ALL)05/96]
Fuses
*
[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.
*
[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

267
*
[MC36800(ALL)01/96]
To fill the fuel tank properly:
*
[MC36900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Extinguish all lit cigarettes, other
smoking materials, and any open
flames before fueling your vehicle.
*
[MC37000(ALL)01/96]
1. Remove the fuel cap by following the
instructions above underRemoving the Fuel
Capin this chapter. Proceed to add fuel to
the tank only if your vehicle is on level
ground.
*
[MC37010(ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
*
[MC37020(ALL)01/96]
3. If you spill any fuel on the body of your
vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel
may dull or soften the paint if you do not
wash it off.
[MC37030(ALL)05/96]
4. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise until it is fully
tight. It will click when it is fully tightened.
*
[MC37040(ALL)01/96]
You may occasionally hear and/or feel a slight
thump occurring one or two seconds after a
gentle stop. This is normal and generally occurs
with the fuel tank 3/4 full. It is caused by the
wave action of the fuel within the tank.
%*
[MC37050(ALL)01/96]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC37060(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on
level ground away from traffic. Add at least two
gallons (8 liters) of fuel to start your vehicle
again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters)
of fuel to start it.
*
[MC37070(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

271
*
[MC38440(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[MC38450(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC38500(ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38510(ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II
system.
*
[MC38520(ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC38525(ALL)03/96]
q
20 minutes of driving in stop and go
city-type traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC38535(ALL)03/96]
q
10 minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC38545(ALL)05/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during the above driving modes. If
the vehicle owner is unable to meet the I/M
requirements by using these driving patterns, an
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996