1997 FORD AEROSTAR ECO mode

130 %
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[SS15900(ALL)01/96]
Safety Seats for Children
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[SS16000(ALL)01/96]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the
size and weight of the child. Always follow the
safety seat manufacturer's instructions when
installing and using the safety seat.
[SS16005(ALL)01/96]
Most child safety seats can be used in this
vehicle only in vehicle seating positions with
lap/shoulder belts. Any booster-type seat that
places the vehicle's lap belt or shoulder belt
around a shield above and ahead of the child's
hips should not be used in this vehicle. This
type of safety seat could cause injury by tipping
over the front edge of the vehicle seat during a
collision.
[SS16010(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The following instructions MUST BE
FOLLOWED to reduce risk of injury from
a safety seat tipping too far forward in a
severe crash.
[SS16012(ALL)01/96]
Install forward-facing child safety seats only in
vehicle seating positions equipped with
lap/shoulder belts. Forward-facing convertible
safety seats can be used in the center of the
three-passenger second row bench seat only if a
top tether strap is used. Ford recommends
placing forward-facing safety seats in the second
row and using safetey seats with top tether
straps for added protection.
[SS16015(ALL)01/96]
For more information on top tether straps see
Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Strapsin this
chapter.
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[SS16025(ALL)05/96]
When installing a child safety seat, be sure to
use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating
position, and make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap belt
combination with a sliding tongue, make sure
the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.
File:06cpssa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 08:56:07 1996

140 [SS27812(ALL)01/96]Until a floor anchor is installed, follow these
steps to install a tethered child safety seat in the
front seat:
[SS27814(ALL)01/96]
1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt in the seat
directly behind the front passenger seat.
[SS27816(ALL)01/96]
2. Pull all the stored belt out of the rear seat
belt retractor to switch the retractor to
automatic locking mode.
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[SS27818(ALL)03/96]
3. Let the retractor wind up the slack from the
lap/shoulder belt. A clicking sound should
be heard as the belt retracts, indicating that
the retractor is in automatic locking mode.
[SS27820(ALL)01/96]
4. Install the child safety seat in the right front
seat. Refer to the previous section on
Installing Child Safety Seats. Hook the tether
strap around the webbing near the center of
the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder
belt.
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[SS27822(ALL)05/96]
5. Tighten the tether strap.
[SS27824(ALL)01/96]
Until floor-mounted tether anchors are installed,
tether straps of child safety seats in the second
row may be anchored to lap/shoulder belts for
the third row, following the five steps above, or
to the tongue of the third row lap belt.
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[SS27830(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Follow these precautions to decrease the
chance of injury in an accident.
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[SS27840(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If the anchor bolt(s) is ever removed, the
hole(s) in the floor must be sealed to
prevent the possibility of exhaust fumes
entering the passenger compartment.
File:06cpssa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 08:56:07 1996

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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

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.
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[GF10320(ALL)05/96]
Speed limiter
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[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

174
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[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

176
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[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.
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[GF14850(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
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[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)
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[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

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)
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[GF29350(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
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[GF29401(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
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[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

184
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[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)
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[GF30310(ALL)01/96]
q
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[GF30320(ALL)01/96]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
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[GF30330(ALL)01/96]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight
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[GF30340(ALL)01/96]
q
Trailer Weight Range
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[GF30351(ALL)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
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[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.
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[GF30451(ALL)01/96]
Payload
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[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.
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[GF30550(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
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[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