1997 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

169
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[GF10150(ALL)01/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as throttle position, engine
speed, vehicle speed and transmission
temperature are used by the PCM to shift the
transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel
economy. For example, you may notice that the
transmission will upshift to a higher gear more
quickly when the vehicle has not reached normal
operating temperature.
*
[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque
Converter Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle
performance and fuel economy. The TCC will
engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by
the PCM have been met. Engagement of the
clutch may be noted as a decrease in engine
speed.
[GF10250(ALL)05/96]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually
performs self-tests on the electronic control
system and, if any faults are detected, stores
them in memory. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light (TCIL) (O/D OFF), which is
located on the gearshift lever, may flash steadily
if a malfunction has been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as
possible. If this condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
*
[GF10320(ALL)05/96]
Speed limiter
*
[GF10330(ALL)06/96]
All models are equipped with a Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) which limits the
maximum engine speed and thus road speed in
top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted
highway speeds in North America.
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170
*
[GF10400(ALL)05/96]
Power Braking
*
[GF10410(ALL)05/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF10450(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
*
[GF10500(ALL)05/96]
Automatic Overdrive
Transmission
%*
[GF10750(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF10800(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. The transmission control switch is
located on the end of the gearshift lever. You
can put the gearshift in any one of several
positions.
[GF10900(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095027-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
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171 [GF10920(ALL)06/96]
one third page art:0095028-A
*
[GF11000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
*
[GF12000(ALL)05/96]
Once you place the gearshift securely into
position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
%*
[GF12100(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature. This
feature prevents you from shifting
from P (Park) unless you have the
brake pedal depressed. (The ignition
must be in the ON position.) If you
cannot shift from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF12200(ALL)05/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
*
[GF12300(ALL)05/96]
2. Remove the key.
*
[GF12400(ALL)05/96]
3. Insert the key and rotate it one position
clockwise (ignition in the OFF position).
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172
*
[GF12500(ALL)05/96]
4. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). (If the vehicle is shifted back to P
[Park], you must repeat the previous steps.)
*
[GF12600(ALL)05/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
*
[GF12700(ALL)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
*
[GF12800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
*
[GF12820(ALL)05/96]
P (Park)
[GF12830(ALL)03/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
[GF12840(ALL)03/96]
To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push
it toward the instrument panel.
*
[GF12850(ALL)06/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if
you cannot rotate it in a clockwise direction
without lifting it toward you.
*
[GF12860(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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173
*
[GF12870(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
%*
[GF12900(ALL)05/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF12950(ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[GF12975(ALL)01/96]
N (Neutral)
*
[GF12990(ALL)06/96]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position,
the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
*
[GF12995(ALL)06/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when
leaving the vehicle.
*
[GF13000(ALL)06/96]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle
is free to move with either the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or with the manual
transmission in any driving gear.
[GF13050(ALL)03/96]
Driving (4R44E Transmission)
%*
[GF13100(ALL)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF13150(ALL)05/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
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174
*
[GF13200(ALL)05/96]
When to use Drive
[GF13250(ALL)01/96]
You will note there is not a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a transmission control switch labeled
OVERDRIVE OFF located on the end of the
gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
indicator light (OFF) illuminates on the gearshift
lever. With overdrive cancelled and the
OVERDRIVE OFF illuminated, the transmission
will operate in gears one through three. This is
useful if you experience frequent
downshift/upshift conditions, when operating
with a heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if
additional engine braking is useful. However,
shift back toj(Overdrive) whenever practical
for optimum powertrain cooling and fuel
economy. This can be accomplished by pushing
the transmission control switch again, to cancel
the OVERDRIVE OFF control and light.
[GF13300(ALL)06/96]
one third page art:0095028-A[GF13320(ALL)05/96]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system
will automatically be in the normal overdrive
mode.
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175
*
[GF13400(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF13450(ALL)05/96]
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or
to provide additional engine braking on
downgrades. This position provides 2 (Second)
gear operation only.
*
[GF13475(ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF14000(ALL)05/96]
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum engine
braking on steep downgrades. Upshifts from 1
(Low) can be made by manually shifting to 2
(Second) orj(Overdrive). Selection of 1 (Low)
gear provides only low gear operation from
start-up. Selection of 1 (Low) while at higher
speeds provides a shift to second gear, and a
shift to first gear will occur after the vehicle
decelerates to the proper speed.
*
[GF14500(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF14550(ALL)03/96]
To gain acceleration inj(Overdrive) or Drive
(jposition with Overdrive cancelled) when
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to
the floor. The transmission will downshift to the
appropriate gear: third, second or first.
[GF14600(ALL)03/96]
Driving (5R55E Transmission)
[GF14650(ALL)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF14700(ALL)05/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third, fourth and fifth gears will occur
whenj(Overdrive) is chosen on the selector
and the transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
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Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

176
*
[GF14750(ALL)05/96]
When to use Drive
[GF14800(ALL)03/96]
You will note there is not a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a transmission control switch labeled
OVERDRIVE OFF located on the end of the
gearshift lever. With overdrive canceled and the
OVERDRIVE OFF illuminated, the transmission
will operate in gears one through four. This is
useful if you experience frequent
downshift/upshift conditions, when operating a
heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if additional
engine braking is useful. However, shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for optimum
powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can
be accomplished by pushing the transmission
control switch again, to cancel the OVERDRIVE
OFF control and light.
*
[GF14850(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF14900(ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the 2 (Second) position,
more engine braking is provided. Use the 2
(Second) position to drive up moderately steep
grades, to start up slippery roads, or to provide
moderate engine braking on downgrades. DO
NOT GO FASTER THAN 55 mph (88 km/h) IN
THIS GEARSHIFT POSITION.
*
[GF14950(ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF14970(ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the 1 (First) position,
maximum engine braking is provided. This
position provides 1 (First) gear operation only
with no automatic upshifts. To obtain upshifts,
the gearshift must be moved out of this position.
Use the 1 (First) position to drive up steep
grades or to provide maximum engine braking
on downgrades.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996