1997 FORD AEROSTAR brake

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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 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.
*
[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.
*
[GF01400(ALL)03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[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

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.
*
[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.
%*
[GF01750(ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
*
[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
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.
*
[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

170
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[GF10400(ALL)05/96]
Power Braking
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[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
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

171 [GF10920(ALL)06/96]
one third page art:0095028-A
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[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).
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

172
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[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

173
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[GF12870(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
%*
[GF12900(ALL)05/96]
R (Reverse)
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[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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996