1997 FORD AEROSTAR check engine

235 [MC06160(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0095016-A
Engine oil dipstick
*
[MC06170(ALL)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[MC06180(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[MC06190(ALL)01/96]
Adding engine oil
*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC06210(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
[MC07000(ALL)05/96]
Engine Oil and Filter Changes
*
[MC07100(ALL)05/96]
Change your engine oil and oil filter according
to these mileage and time requirements,
whichever occurs first.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

238 [MC08300(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0095017-ABrake master cylinder reservoir
%*
[MC08500(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
*
[MC08520(ALL)02/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
*
[MC08530(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[MC08540(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020358-A
Windshield washer reservoir
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

240 [MC08590(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0020362-CLiftgate window washer reservoir
%*
[MC08700(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC08710(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC08720(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
[MC08725(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine Compartmentin the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

241
*
[MC08755(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
[MC08760(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant to reservoir
*
[MC08765(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC08770(ALL)05/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in
an emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
*
[MC08772(ALL)05/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
*
[MC08775(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
[MC08780(ALL)01/96]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap,
follow these steps to avoid personal injury
caused by escaping steam or engine coolant:
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

243
*
[MC08835(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC08840(ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
*
[MC08845(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, refer toRefill capacities
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
*
[MC08850(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
*
[MC08855(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
[MC08860(ALL)01/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
S34ÊF (S38ÊC), it may be necessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC08865(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC08870(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
%*
[MC08875(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC08915(ALL)05/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theService Manual,or
you can see a qualified technician.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

244 [MC08970(ALL)04/96]NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L
engine cooling system, it is not
unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500
miles (12,000 km) after initial system
fill.
%
*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC09020(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC09030(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC09035(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC09040(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC09045(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC09050(ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

246
*
[MC09200(ALL)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC09210(ALL)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[MC09220(ALL)01/96]
Use only a power steering fluid such as Ford
Power Steering Fluid Motorcraft MERCONH
ATF.
*
[MC09230(ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC09240(ALL)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[MC09250(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
%
*
[MC10000(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC10100(ALL)05/96]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions.
However, if the transmission is not working
properly, for instance, the transmission may slip
or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of
fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
*
[MC10110(ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature, after
approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

247
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC10120(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[MC10130(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC10140(ALL)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the gearshift lever through all
of the gear ranges allowing sufficiant time for
each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set
the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC10150(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC10160(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located toward the
passenger's side of the engine), pull the dipstick
out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
*
[MC10170(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996