1997 FORD AEROSTAR warning light

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

270
*
[MC38250(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC38300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment
floor covering or insulation, do not let
passengers ride in your truck in a manner
that allows contact between skin and the
metal floor.
*
[MC38400(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC38410(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC38420(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38430(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

336 Index
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 72
Automatic transmission
fluid, adding............. 248
fluid, checking............ 247
fluid, refill capacities......... 294
fluid, specification........... 296
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 296
refill capacities............ 294
traction lok............177, 254
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies.....223, 250
charging system warning light...... 13
disconnecting............. 226
how to service............ 249
jumping a disabled battery....... 222
maintenance-free........... 249
proper disposal, recycling....... 250
replacement, specifications....... 293
servicing............... 249
voltage gauge............ 13,15
when storing your vehicle....... 285
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 9
checking and adding......... 236
description.............. 236
specifications...........237, 296
Brakelamp, high-mount brakelamp..... 72
Brakes
adjustment.............. 163
anti-lock............... 163
applying the brakes.......... 166
brake warning light........... 9
fluid, checking and adding....... 236
fluid, refill capacities.......236, 294
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

338 Index
Charging system gauge.......... 15
Charging system warning light....... 13
Child safety restraints
built-in child seat........... 141
child safety belts........... 150
child safety seats........... 130
Child safety seats
and air bags............. 130
attaching with tether straps...... 139
automatic locking mode (retractor) . 112, 130
built-in child seat........... 141
in front seat............. 130
in rear outboard seat......... 130
in rear seat.............. 130
tether anchorage hardware....... 139
Chime
headlamps on.............. 14
key in ignition............. 14
safety belt............... 11
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 209
see also fuses............. 200
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat........... 283
CD player and discs........... 32
chrome and aluminum parts...... 280
engine compartment.......... 281
exterior............... 280
exterior lamps............ 281
fabric................ 282
headlamps.............. 281
instrument panel......... 61,281
instrument panel lens......... 282
interior................ 282
interior lamps............. 282
mirrors................. 91
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

340 Index
D
Daytime running light system....... 72
Defects, reporting............ 301
Defrost, rear window........... 69
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....246, 248
engine oil.............. 234
power steering fluid.......... 244
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 226
Dispute Settlement Board........ 306
Doors
door ajar warning light......... 11
lubricant specifications......... 296
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 248
Driving under special conditions,
heavy load.............. 179
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 209
fuses................. 200
operating when the engine is off..... 74
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)...... 49
Electronic sound system
accessory delay............. 74
tuning the radio........ 23,37,49
warranty and service information..... 58
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)...... 49
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 49
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 303
battery acid spills.........223, 251
fuel................. 265
jump-starting............. 222
towing................ 226
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 341
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 165
Emission control system
catalytic converter.......... 269
emissions warranty......... 3,269
Engine
check engine warning light....... 12
does not start............ 158
fuel injected engine, starting...... 153
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 158
preparing to start........... 153
refill capacities............ 294
service points............ 297
starting............... 154
starting after a collision........ 158
storing your vehicle.......... 283
Engine block heater........... 157
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 240
checking hoses............ 243
disposal.............230, 248
drain and flush............ 243
preparing for storage......... 285
proper solution..........230, 248
recovery reservoir........240, 297
refill capacities............ 294
specifications............. 296
temperature gauge........... 17
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 17
mechanical............... 17
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:electronic............. 17
Engine fan............... 230
Engine:idle speed control........ 156
Engine knocking............ 264
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 345
H
Hazard flashers............ 78,199
Headlamps
aiming................ 272
checking alignment.......... 272
cleaning............... 281
daytime running lights......... 72
replacing bulbs............ 272
turning on and off........... 71
warning chime............. 14
Heating
heating and air conditioning system . . . 62
rear seat controls............ 67
standard heater system......... 65
High beams
indicator light............. 14
operation............... 71
High-mount brakelamp, description..... 72
High-mount brakelamp:location...... 72
Hitch................. 194
Hood
latch location............. 231
lubrication specifications........ 296
release lever............. 231
working under the hood....... 230
Hoses, checking............. 243
I
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) . . . 300
Idle
relearning..........226, 230, 250
speed................ 156
Ignition
chime................. 14
positions of the ignition......... 74
Indicator lights and chimes (see Lights) . . . 7
Infant seats (see Safety seats).....128, 130
Instrument cluster............. 9
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996