1997 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

258 [MC28100(ALL)01/96]
three fourths page art:0020366-ETire identification chart
*
[MC28700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Use of aftermarket wheel assemblies may
damage your vehicle or cause accidents
resulting in serious injuries.
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259 %
*
[MC28800(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC28950(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounted to
maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC31100(ALL)01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC31200(ALL)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC31300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC31400(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary
spare. For full size tires, use chains on the tires
only in an emergency or if the law requires
them where you live. When you use the tire
chains:
*
[MC31500(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC31550(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
*
[MC31575(ALL)01/96]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
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260 [MC31625(ALL)01/96]q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(0.8 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions.
*
[MC31650(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC31750(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[MC31800(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC31900(ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC31950(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%
*
[MC35000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC35100(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020347-C
Fuel filler door
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261 %
*
[MC35200(ALL)01/96]
Opening the Fuel Filler Door
[MC35300(ALL)01/96]
Fuel filler door remote release
[MC35400(ALL)05/96]
To open the fuel filler door latch, pull on the
release lever located between the driver's seat
and the door. You cannot open the fuel filler
door by pulling on the door itself.
[MC35500(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020353-B
Fuel filler door remote release lever
[MC35600(ALL)01/96]
If the release lever is stuck or damaged and you
cannot open the fuel filler door, you must use
the override cord located at the back of the left
rear wheelhouse. (On extended versions the
release lever is located in the stowage box.)
[MC35700(ALL)01/96]
The manual release cord is attached to a T
handle marked FUEL FILLER DOOR RELEASE
Ð MANUAL OVERRIDE. When you pull it, the
fuel filler door opens.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

262 [MC35710(ALL)05/96]
half page art:0095076-BFuel filler door override handle
%*
[MC35720(ALL)01/96]
Removing the fuel cap
*
[MC35730(ALL)01/96]
The proper instructions for removing the fuel
cap are as follows:
*
[MC35740(ALL)01/96]
q
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on
the plastic lock bar and rotating the fuel cap
counterclockwise.
*
[MC35750(ALL)01/96]
q
Turn the fuel cap 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn until a
hissing sound is heard. When the hissing
sound stops, continue rotating
counterclockwise to remove the fuel cap.
*
[MC35760(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure that you follow the above fuel cap
removal instructions and use caution. Such
caution will minimize the possibility of fuel
spraying during removal of the fuel cap.
*
[MC35770(ALL)03/96]
To replace and secure the fuel cap, place it in
position and rotate it clockwise until it clicks
(ratchets). Doing so will not damage or break
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263
the fuel cap. The ratcheting mechanism allows
the fuel cap to be sealed without overtightening.
*
[MC35780(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
%*
[MC35790(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[MC35800(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
*
[MC35825(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
*
[MC35850(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal
condition. It may be caused by:
*
[MC35860(ALL)01/96]
q
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions.
The service stations sometimes sell winter
grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC35870(ALL)01/96]
q
Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high
altitudes.
*
[MC35880(ALL)01/96]
q
Extended periods of idling with the engine
RPM increased above the normal idle range.
*
[MC35890(ALL)01/96]
q
Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended
periods on extremely hot days.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

264 %
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[MC35900(ALL)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC35920(ALL)05/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC35935(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even though your
engine will perform adequately on other
gasolines, the performance of the emission
control devices and systems may be adversely
affected. Repair of damage caused by using a
fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may
not be covered by your warranty.
%*
[MC35940(ALL)04/96]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC35950(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as ªregularº in
high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings of 86 or even less.
*
[MC35960(ALL)05/96]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

265
*
[MC36010(ALL)05/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
%*
[MC36040(ALL)05/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC36070(ALL)05/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[MC36090(ALL)05/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline
specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of
your vehicle. We recommend the use of
gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if
they are available.
*
[MC36200(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
%*
[MC36300(ALL)04/96]
Gasolines for clean air
*
[MC36315(ALL)05/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve
air quality, including reformulated gasolines that
contain oxygenates such as a maximum of 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives
to protect the fuel system.
%*
[MC36400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive
Fuels
*
[MC36420(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury
or death if misused or mishandled.
*
[MC36425(ALL)01/96]
q
Turn vehicle off when refueling.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996