Page 178 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 178 [GF16025(ALL)01/96]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[GF16036(ALL)01/96]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 178 [GF16025(ALL)01/96]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[GF16036(ALL)01/96]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-177.png)
178 [GF16025(ALL)01/96]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[GF16036(ALL)01/96]
Under normal driving conditions, when the road
is firm, dry and level, the engine power is
distributed one-third to the front axle and
two-thirds to the rear axle. However, if a wheel
begins to slip, the microprocessor will sense this
condition and signal the system to transmit more
power to the axle with more traction. (You may
feel a momentary surge of power.)
[GF16046(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The microprocessor is disabled when
the brakes are applied or when the
transmission selector is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) positions.
[GF16055(ALL)01/96]
Driving Your Electronic 4-Wheel Drive
(E-4WD) Vehicle
[GF16065(ALL)01/96]
Since your E-4WD vehicle is unique, follow these
steps to be safe:
[GF16075(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid unnecessary turns or other maneuvers
that could cause loss of control and possible
injury.
[GF16076(ALL)01/96]
q
Use the same size and type of tire and wheel
as originally provided for your vehicle and
inflate the tires to the manufacturer's
recommended air pressure.
[GF16077(ALL)01/96]
q
Become familiar with your vehicle's operating
characteristics and study this Owner Guide
for specific operating instructions. Be sure all
occupants wear the safety belts provided.
Drive cautiously, defensively, and at speeds
safe for current road conditions.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996
Page 180 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehi FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehi](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-179.png)
180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF29001(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF29025(ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF29050(ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(ALL)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29151(ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996
Page 195 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 195 %
*
[GF38000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF38100(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF38200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not conn FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 195 %
*
[GF38000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF38100(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF38200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not conn](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-194.png)
195 %
*
[GF38000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF38100(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF38200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF38300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF38400(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
*
[GF38425(ALL)01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
*
[GF38450(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
*
[GF38500(ALL)01/96]
Driving while you tow
*
[GF38520(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996
Page 197 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 197
*
[GF39300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF3940 FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 197
*
[GF39300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF3940](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-196.png)
197
*
[GF39300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF39400(ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF39500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[GF39600(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF39725(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[GF39800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
*
[GF39900(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[GF40000(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF40100(ALL)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996
Page 198 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-197.png)
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
Page 199 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 199
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00105(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00110(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers
to hazardous situations.
*
[ER00115(ALL)01/96]
The flashers will FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 199
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00105(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00110(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers
to hazardous situations.
*
[ER00115(ALL)01/96]
The flashers will](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-198.png)
199
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00105(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00110(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers
to hazardous situations.
*
[ER00115(ALL)01/96]
The flashers will continue to flash with the brake
pedal depressed.
*
[ER00120(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers work for up to two
hours when the battery is fully charged and in
good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than
two hours or if the battery is not fully charged,
the battery power can be drained.
*
[ER00125(ALL)01/96]
To use the hazard flasher:
*
[ER00130(ALL)01/96]
1. Push in the flasher button; it will pop out
and the lamps will begin to flash.
*
[ER00135(ALL)01/96]
2. To stop the flashers, push in the flasher
button again.
*
[ER00140(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The flasher button will be sticking up
slightly higher when on than when off.
[ER00150(ALL)05/96]
quarter page art:0095077-A
Hazard flasher
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996
Page 209 of 347
![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 209 %
*
[ER00510(ALL)05/96]
Circuit Breakers
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
If you need to check a circuit breaker, locate the
fuse panel first. Otherwise, locate the circuit
breaker according to the instruction FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 209 %
*
[ER00510(ALL)05/96]
Circuit Breakers
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
If you need to check a circuit breaker, locate the
fuse panel first. Otherwise, locate the circuit
breaker according to the instruction](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-208.png)
209 %
*
[ER00510(ALL)05/96]
Circuit Breakers
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
If you need to check a circuit breaker, locate the
fuse panel first. Otherwise, locate the circuit
breaker according to the instructions on the
charts given earlier in this chapter.
*
[ER00520(ALL)01/96]
However, you should know that the circuit
breakers will reset themselves and allow the
electrical parts to work again once the overload
on the circuit is removed. If the circuit breakers
continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked.
*
[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
Diagnostic equipment is needed to check circuit
breakers. Refer to the manufacturer's
instructions.
[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker, grip it with your finger and thumb and
pull it straight out of its socket.
%
*
[ER03600(ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03700(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER03800(ALL)01/96]
The Conventional Spare Tire
*
[ER03900(ALL)05/96]
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can
use it as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare
tire is identical to the other tires that come with
your vehicle, although the wheel may not match.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996
Page 214 of 347
214 [ER06300(ALL)01/96]3. Rotate wrench clockwise until tire is secured.
(Raising mechanism will slip.)
[ER06400(ALL)04/96]
4. Check for proper seating against underbody
supports and retighten if necessary.
[ER06500(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0020266-B
Spare tire Ð underbody carrier
[ER06600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not stow any conventional spare tire
or flat temporary spare tire in the
underbody position. Doing so may cause
damage to the tire, rear axle, or brake
lines. (Standard length only)
[ER06800(ALL)01/96]
A flat tire can be temporarily secured to the
floor pan under the rear-most seat. To
temporarily secure a flat tire:
[ER06900(ALL)01/96]
1. Remove the spare tire ªJº bolt, plate and
wing nut from their stowed location on the
jack.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996