1997 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

177
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[GF15000(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF15100(ALL)06/96]
To gain acceleration inj(Overdrive) or Drive
(Overdrive off) when passing another vehicle,
push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate
gear: fourth, third, second or first gear.
%
*
[GF15600(ALL)05/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle
(If equipped)
*
[GF15700(ALL)05/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[GF15800(ALL)03/96]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
[GF16005(ALL)01/96]Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
(If equipped)
[GF16015(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with the E-4WD
option, power is provided to all four wheels
whenever you press the accelerator pedal. It
improves both handling and traction during
difficult driving conditions, adjusting
automatically to your driving needs. Because the
entire E-4WD system is controlled by a
microprocessor, your vehicle is not equipped
with the switch or shift lever used with most
traditional 4WD vehicles. The microprocessor
does all the adjusting for you.
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178 [GF16025(ALL)01/96]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[GF16036(ALL)01/96]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed one-third to the front axle and
two-thirds to the rear axle. However, if a wheel
begins to slip, the microprocessor will sense this
condition and signal the system to transmit more
power to the axle with more traction. (You may
feel a momentary surge of power.)
[GF16046(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The microprocessor is disabled when
the brakes are applied or when the
transmission selector is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) positions.
[GF16055(ALL)01/96]
Driving Your Electronic 4-Wheel Drive
(E-4WD) Vehicle
[GF16065(ALL)01/96]
Since your E-4WD vehicle is unique, follow these
steps to be safe:
[GF16075(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid unnecessary turns or other maneuvers
that could cause loss of control and possible
injury.
[GF16076(ALL)01/96]
q
Use the same size and type of tire and wheel
as originally provided for your vehicle and
inflate the tires to the manufacturer's
recommended air pressure.
[GF16077(ALL)01/96]
q
Become familiar with your vehicle's operating
characteristics and study this Owner Guide
for specific operating instructions. Be sure all
occupants wear the safety belts provided.
Drive cautiously, defensively, and at speeds
safe for current road conditions.
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179 [GF16095(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not let the added driving traction of
E-4WD lead you to believe that you can stop
any quicker than a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle. The added traction performance
does not improve the braking ability of the
E-4WD vehicle. Allow the same amount of
distance when braking as with a two-wheel
drive vehicle.
[GF16096(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Your E-4WD Aerostar is a passenger
vehicle designed for on-road use; it is not
intended for any off-road use.
[GF16097(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On-vehicle wheel balancing will cause
damage to the drivetrain of E-4WD
Aerostars.
%
*
[GF28050(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF28101(ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[GF28150(ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF29001(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF29025(ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF29050(ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(ALL)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29151(ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
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181 [GF29250(ALL)01/96]
Standard length vehicles adapted for trailer tow
may require relocation of the underbody spare
tire. It is recommended that you secure the tire
under the rear-most seat using the hold-down
hardware located with the jack.
[GF29301(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020268-A
Spare tire stowage (standard length model)
*
[GF29350(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF29401(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF29450(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
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182
*
[GF29501(ALL)01/96]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
*
[GF29504(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[GF29525(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[GF29551(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
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183
*
[GF29601(ALL)01/96]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
[GF29650(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0020148-G
Safety Compliance Certification Label
*
[GF29950(ALL)01/96]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
*
[GF30001(ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF30050(ALL)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
*
[GF30101(ALL)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF30150(ALL)01/96]
q
Payload
*
[GF30200(ALL)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[GF30250(ALL)01/96]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
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184
*
[GF30301(ALL)01/96]
q
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
[GF30305(ALL)01/96]
q
GAWR F (Gross Axle Weight Rating Front)
[GF30307(ALL)01/96]
q
GAWR R (Gross Axle Weight Rating Rear)
*
[GF30310(ALL)01/96]
q
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF30320(ALL)01/96]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF30330(ALL)01/96]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF30340(ALL)01/96]
q
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF30351(ALL)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF30401(ALL)01/96]
The Base Curb Weight is the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, coolants, lubricants,
emergency tools, spare wheel and tire. It also
includes any equipment that isstandardon that
model. It does not include passengers, cargo or
optional equipment installed by factory, dealer,
aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[GF30451(ALL)01/96]
Payload
*
[GF30501(ALL)01/96]
Payload is the combined, maximum allowable
weight of cargo, occupants and optional
equipment that the truck is designed to carry. It
is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base
curb weight.
*
[GF30550(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[GF30650(ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a
limit or a specification.If an owner loads up a
vehicle and weighs it, that's the GVW at that
moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
%*
[GF30701(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF30750(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996