1997 FORD AEROSTAR light

164 %
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[GF00750(ALL)01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS). This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
completely locking up when the brakes are
applied in a panic stop, for example.
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[GF00850(ALL)01/96]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
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[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[GF00950(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[GF01000(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
%*
[GF01100(ALL)03/96]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

165
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[GF01150(ALL)01/96]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
%*
[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
*
[GF01250(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
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[GF01300(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF01350(ALL)03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF01400(ALL)03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF01450(ALL)03/96]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[GF01500(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
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[GF01550(ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

167 [GF02000(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020566-A
Parking Brake
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[GF02100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF02200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[GF02250(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

169
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[GF10150(ALL)01/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as throttle position, engine
speed, vehicle speed and transmission
temperature are used by the PCM to shift the
transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel
economy. For example, you may notice that the
transmission will upshift to a higher gear more
quickly when the vehicle has not reached normal
operating temperature.
*
[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque
Converter Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle
performance and fuel economy. The TCC will
engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by
the PCM have been met. Engagement of the
clutch may be noted as a decrease in engine
speed.
[GF10250(ALL)05/96]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually
performs self-tests on the electronic control
system and, if any faults are detected, stores
them in memory. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light (TCIL) (O/D OFF), which is
located on the gearshift lever, may flash steadily
if a malfunction has been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as
possible. If this condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
*
[GF10320(ALL)05/96]
Speed limiter
*
[GF10330(ALL)06/96]
All models are equipped with a Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) which limits the
maximum engine speed and thus road speed in
top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted
highway speeds in North America.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

174
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[GF13200(ALL)05/96]
When to use Drive
[GF13250(ALL)01/96]
You will note there is not a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a transmission control switch labeled
OVERDRIVE OFF located on the end of the
gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
indicator light (OFF) illuminates on the gearshift
lever. With overdrive cancelled and the
OVERDRIVE OFF illuminated, the transmission
will operate in gears one through three. This is
useful if you experience frequent
downshift/upshift conditions, when operating
with a heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if
additional engine braking is useful. However,
shift back toj(Overdrive) whenever practical
for optimum powertrain cooling and fuel
economy. This can be accomplished by pushing
the transmission control switch again, to cancel
the OVERDRIVE OFF control and light.
[GF13300(ALL)06/96]
one third page art:0095028-A[GF13320(ALL)05/96]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system
will automatically be in the normal overdrive
mode.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

176
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[GF14750(ALL)05/96]
When to use Drive
[GF14800(ALL)03/96]
You will note there is not a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a transmission control switch labeled
OVERDRIVE OFF located on the end of the
gearshift lever. With overdrive canceled and the
OVERDRIVE OFF illuminated, the transmission
will operate in gears one through four. This is
useful if you experience frequent
downshift/upshift conditions, when operating a
heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if additional
engine braking is useful. However, shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for optimum
powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can
be accomplished by pushing the transmission
control switch again, to cancel the OVERDRIVE
OFF control and light.
*
[GF14850(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[GF14900(ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the 2 (Second) position,
more engine braking is provided. Use the 2
(Second) position to drive up moderately steep
grades, to start up slippery roads, or to provide
moderate engine braking on downgrades. DO
NOT GO FASTER THAN 55 mph (88 km/h) IN
THIS GEARSHIFT POSITION.
*
[GF14950(ALL)05/96]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[GF14970(ALL)05/96]
With the gearshift in the 1 (First) position,
maximum engine braking is provided. This
position provides 1 (First) gear operation only
with no automatic upshifts. To obtain upshifts,
the gearshift must be moved out of this position.
Use the 1 (First) position to drive up steep
grades or to provide maximum engine braking
on downgrades.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

182
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[GF29501(ALL)01/96]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
*
[GF29504(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[GF29525(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[GF29551(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

185 %
*
[GF30801(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
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[GF30850(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[GF30901(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[GF30950(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[GF31001(ALL)01/96]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
*
[GF31050(ALL)01/96]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF31101(ALL)01/96]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996