1997 FORD AEROSTAR towing

189
that you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options
on the front axle, add 150 pound (68 kgs)
passengers to all seating positions, and add
evenly distributed cargo in the box without
exceeding the GAWR F.
*
[GF31950(ALL)01/96]
It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the
front as long as the vehicle owner/operator
compensates. This can be accomplished, if
necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less
cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear,
which has the effect of reducing the load on the
front. Keep in mind that the GAWR F, GAWR
R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded.
*
[GF32001(ALL)06/96]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds
(kgs): If, for example, this value is given as 112
pounds (51 kgs), does this mean that you are
limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of
accessories to your vehicle? Yes, that is correct
for permanently installed accessories. This is a
number that is related to government crash test
standards. Therefore, no more than this weight
should be permanently installed on your vehicle.
*
[GF32050(ALL)01/96]
In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112
pounds) (38 and 51 kgs), the important thing to
remember is that for safe operation, an
owner/operator should calculate the amount and
the distribution of all weights (passengers,
accessory equipment and cargo). These combined
weights should fall below the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR.
*
[GF32201(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF32251(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

190
*
[GF32301(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF32350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF32401(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[GF32450(ALL)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[GF32500(ALL)01/96]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[GF32551(ALL)01/96]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

193
*
[GF33645(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmissions
[GF33650(ALL)05/96]
thirty-two pica chart:0095069-B*
[GF36500(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF36550(ALL)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

194If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[GF36560(ALL)01/96]
Under certain circumstances, the trailer frontal
area is not to exceed the base vehicle frontal
area, no matter what size engine your vehicle
has:
[GF36570(ALL)01/96]
q
If you drive on roads with steep grades or on
roads with moderate grades that are 5 miles
(8 km) or longer.
[GF36580(ALL)01/96]
q
If outside temperature in which you travel is
above100ÊF (38ÊC).
%*
[GF36600(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF36650(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
*
[GF36800(ALL)01/96]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[GF37000(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
%*
[GF37800(ALL)01/96]
Safety Chains
*
[GF37900(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

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

226 %
*
[ER24660(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
*
[ER24670(ALL)02/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER24680(ALL)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24690(ALL)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24692(ALL)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER24694(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER24695(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER24700(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER24750(ALL)01/96]
The recommended method to tow your Aerostar
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable. On
vehicles equipped with an under-vehicle spare
tire carrier, remove the tire assembly from the
carrier and store it in a secure area before
towing. For E-4WD vehicles, the 4-wheel drive
system must be disabled prior to towing. The
transmission must be in N (Neutral) and the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position to
disable the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive System.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

303
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)05/96]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)11/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
who put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional
Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:14cphsa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:58 1996

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
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996