1997 FORD AEROSTAR transmission

190
*
[GF32301(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF32350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF32401(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[GF32450(ALL)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[GF32500(ALL)01/96]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[GF32551(ALL)01/96]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

193
*
[GF33645(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmissions
[GF33650(ALL)05/96]
thirty-two pica chart:0095069-B*
[GF36500(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF36550(ALL)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

196 %
*
[GF38540(ALL)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF38600(ALL)05/96]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a
vehicle equipped with an automatic overdrive
transmission, you may wish to operate in Drive
(by cancelling Overdrive with OVERDRIVE OFF
button) rather thanj(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting
to maintain speed. Switch back to Overdrive
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling. This can be accomplished by pushing in
the switch located on the end of the indicator
lever.
*
[GF38800(ALL)03/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into the 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position.
[GF38925(ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF38950(ALL)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
*
[GF39000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF39100(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF39200(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

198
*
[GF40200(ALL)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF40350(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake with your
right hand.
*
[GF40575(ALL)01/96]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF40600(ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[GF40700(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF40800(ALL)01/96]
q
Start the engine.
*
[GF40900(ALL)01/96]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[GF41000(ALL)01/96]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[GF41100(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
[GF41200(ALL)01/96]
Luggage Rack (If equipped)
[GF41300(ALL)01/96]
Always distribute your luggage load evenly. Do
not load more than 100 pounds (45 kg) onto
rack or cause the vehicle to exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
[GF41400(ALL)01/96]
The crossbars and cross slats are adjustable.
Loosen the adjustment screws, slide the bars and
slats as necessary, and retighten the screws.
*
[GF41500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are
securely fastened.
[GF41600(ALL)01/96]
Use caution to avoid scratching the paint. Drive
carefully and avoid sudden starts and stops.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

217
*
[ER15420(ALL)03/96]
When one of the back wheels is off the ground,
the transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the vehicle is in P (Park). To prevent the
vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block the
wheel (both directions) that is diagonally
opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
*
[ER15430(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[ER15550(ALL)01/96]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[ER15600(ALL)01/96]
The jack, jack handle and lug nut wrench are
stowed separately on the left hand wheelhouse
inner panel on standard length models. And in
the right rear storage compartment on extended
length models.
[ER15700(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020285-A
Jack stowage
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

226 %
*
[ER24660(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
*
[ER24670(ALL)02/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER24680(ALL)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24690(ALL)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24692(ALL)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER24694(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER24695(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER24700(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER24750(ALL)01/96]
The recommended method to tow your Aerostar
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable. On
vehicles equipped with an under-vehicle spare
tire carrier, remove the tire assembly from the
carrier and store it in a secure area before
towing. For E-4WD vehicles, the 4-wheel drive
system must be disabled prior to towing. The
transmission must be in N (Neutral) and the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position to
disable the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive System.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 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