1997 FORD AEROSTAR service

223 %
*
[ER24440(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[ER24450(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
*
[ER24460(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[ER24470(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could
damage the catalytic converter. For further
information, seeJumper Cablesin the
Index.
*
[ER24480(ALL)02/96]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
%*
[ER24490(ALL)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER24500(ALL)02/96]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

229
Maintenance and Care
%*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
*
[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
*
[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
*
[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
*
[MC00900(ALL)02/96]
q
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*
[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
*
[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.
*
[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
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

230any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication
that your vehicle may need service. If you do
notice something unusual, see that your vehicle
is serviced promptly.
*
[MC01350(ALL)01/96]
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts conforming to Ford
specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best performance in your
vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is
your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in
your vehicle.
%*
[MC01400(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%
*
[MC01600(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
*
[MC01700(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
*
[MC01900(ALL)01/96]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[MC02000(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[MC02100(ALL)01/96]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[MC02200(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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

249
%*
[MC15000(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC15010(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The
vents are part of the cover and cannot be
removed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
*
[MC15020(ALL)01/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC15030(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
*
[MC15040(ALL)01/96]
If your original equipment battery requires
replacement (under warranty), it may in some
cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance
battery has removable vent caps for checking the
electrolyte level and for adding water, if needed.
*
[MC15045(ALL)01/96]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often
in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cell.
*
[MC15050(ALL)01/96]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low,
you can add plain tap water to the battery, as
long as you don't use hard water, or water with
a high mineral or alkali content. If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

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.
File:11cpmca.ex
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

269
*
[MC37520(ALL)01/96]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[MC37530(ALL)01/96]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[MC37540(ALL)01/96]
q
Excessive speed
[MC37550(ALL)04/96]
q
Rapid acceleration
*
[MC37560(ALL)01/96]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[MC37570(ALL)01/96]
q
Sudden stops
*
[MC37580(ALL)01/96]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[MC37590(ALL)01/96]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[MC37600(ALL)01/96]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[MC37610(ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC37620(ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC37630(ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
%
*
[MC38000(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC38100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC38110(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC38200(ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC38210(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC38220(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC38230(ALL)03/96]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996