1997 FORD AEROSTAR ECU

226 %
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[ER24660(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
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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.
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2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
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3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
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4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
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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.
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[ER24695(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
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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.
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229
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[MC01050(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
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[MC01300(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that you
perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in
theMaintenance Schedulebooklet. These services
are important for the proper operation of your
vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in
the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for
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231
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[MC02500(ALL)01/96]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
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[MC02600(ALL)01/96]
Working with the engine off:
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[MC02650(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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[MC02700(ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
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3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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Working with the engine on:
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[MC02785(ALL)01/96]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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[MC02800(ALL)01/96]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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[MC02900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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[MC02950(ALL)02/96]
Opening the Hood
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[MC03000(ALL)01/96]
1. Pull the hood release handle, located next to
the parking brake pedal.
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232 [MC03025(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095045-AHood release handle
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2. While applying downward pressure on the
hood, push the hood latch handle located
behind the grille near the center front of the
vehicle to the left.
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[MC03100(ALL)01/96]
3. Disconnect the hood support from the
retaining clip on the radiator support and
place it into the slot marked PROP in the
underside of the hood.
[MC03400(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020335-A
Hood and support rod
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[MC03800(ALL)01/96]
To close the hood, raise it so that the support
rod comes away from the slotted hole in the
hood. Place the support rod in its retaining clip
and close the hood with enough force to make it
latch. Be sure to oil the hood latch every six
months to maintain smooth operation.
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[MC03900(ALL)01/96]
Always attempt to lift the hood after closing to
be sure it is securely latched.
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234
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NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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[MC06090(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC06095(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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247
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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[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.
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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.
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[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.
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[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.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

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.
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[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.
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[MC31750(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
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[MC31800(ALL)01/96]
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Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
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[MC31900(ALL)01/96]
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Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
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[MC31950(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
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[MC35000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC35100(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020347-C
Fuel filler door
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262 [MC35710(ALL)05/96]
half page art:0095076-BFuel filler door override handle
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Removing the fuel cap
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[MC35730(ALL)01/96]
The proper instructions for removing the fuel
cap are as follows:
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[MC35740(ALL)01/96]
q
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on
the plastic lock bar and rotating the fuel cap
counterclockwise.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996