1997 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

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
*
[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.
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161 [TO10800(ALL)01/96]
q
AIR CONDITIONING Ð Set the fan speed
knob at MEDIUM or HIGH, the function
selector knob on NORM A/C or MAX A/C
and the temperature control knob on any
desired position.
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[TO12000(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the
Ignition
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[TO12100(ALL)03/96]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
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[TO12200(ALL)03/96]
2. Set the parking brake fully before removing
your foot from the service brake. (This will
avoid ªbindingº or ªloadingº the park gear
if you park on a grade.)
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[TO12300(ALL)03/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
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[TO12400(ALL)03/96]
4. Remove the key.
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[TO12500(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
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[TO12600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets unattended in your vehicle.
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163
Driving
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[GF00300(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF00350(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
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[GF00400(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
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[GF00450(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[GF00500(ALL)03/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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[GF00550(ALL)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
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[GF00600(ALL)03/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
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[GF00650(ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
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[GF00700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
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164 %
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[GF00750(ALL)01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS). This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
completely locking up when the brakes are
applied in a panic stop, for example.
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[GF00850(ALL)01/96]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
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[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
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[GF00950(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[GF01000(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
%*
[GF01100(ALL)03/96]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
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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.
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166 %
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[GF01600(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
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[GF01650(ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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[GF01700(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
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[GF01750(ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
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[GF01800(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF01850(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake is a hand operated lever
located on the floor of your van just to the right
of the driver's seat.
[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
To set the parking brake while parking your
van, press the brake pedal with your right foot
and hold it while you fully apply the parking
brake lever.
[GF01950(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the brake
pedal with your right foot, depress the release
button in the parking brake lever while pulling
up on the lever, and then lower the lever all the
way to the floor.
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Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

167 [GF02000(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020566-A
Parking Brake
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[GF02100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF02200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
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[GF02250(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
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.
*
[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.
*
[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