1997 FORD AEROSTAR light

235 [MC06160(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0095016-A
Engine oil dipstick
*
[MC06170(ALL)03/96]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[MC06180(ALL)01/96]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[MC06190(ALL)01/96]
Adding engine oil
*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[MC06210(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
[MC07000(ALL)05/96]
Engine Oil and Filter Changes
*
[MC07100(ALL)05/96]
Change your engine oil and oil filter according
to these mileage and time requirements,
whichever occurs first.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

236
*
[MC07200(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
Oil change intervals
*
[MC07300(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%
*
[MC08000(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC08025(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC08050(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
*
[MC08075(ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC08090(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

244 [MC08970(ALL)04/96]NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L
engine cooling system, it is not
unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500
miles (12,000 km) after initial system
fill.
%
*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC09020(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC09030(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC09035(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC09040(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC09045(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC09050(ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
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.
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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.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

267
*
[MC36800(ALL)01/96]
To fill the fuel tank properly:
*
[MC36900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Extinguish all lit cigarettes, other
smoking materials, and any open
flames before fueling your vehicle.
*
[MC37000(ALL)01/96]
1. Remove the fuel cap by following the
instructions above underRemoving the Fuel
Capin this chapter. Proceed to add fuel to
the tank only if your vehicle is on level
ground.
*
[MC37010(ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
*
[MC37020(ALL)01/96]
3. If you spill any fuel on the body of your
vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel
may dull or soften the paint if you do not
wash it off.
[MC37030(ALL)05/96]
4. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise until it is fully
tight. It will click when it is fully tightened.
*
[MC37040(ALL)01/96]
You may occasionally hear and/or feel a slight
thump occurring one or two seconds after a
gentle stop. This is normal and generally occurs
with the fuel tank 3/4 full. It is caused by the
wave action of the fuel within the tank.
%*
[MC37050(ALL)01/96]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC37060(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on
level ground away from traffic. Add at least two
gallons (8 liters) of fuel to start your vehicle
again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters)
of fuel to start it.
*
[MC37070(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
modern powertrain components.
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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.
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272authorized service center can perform a detailed
OBD II drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
%
*
[MC44600(ALL)03/96]
Lights and Bulb Replacement
*
[MC44700(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[MC44800(ALL)01/96]
q
headlamps
*
[MC44850(ALL)01/96]
q
high-mount brakelamp
*
[MC44900(ALL)01/96]
q
tail lamps
*
[MC45000(ALL)01/96]
q
brakelamps
*
[MC45100(ALL)01/96]
q
hazard flasher
*
[MC45200(ALL)01/96]
q
turn signals
*
[MC45300(ALL)05/96]
q
license plate lamps
%*
[MC45400(ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[MC45500(ALL)01/96]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[MC45600(ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[MC45700(ALL)01/96]
q
the headlamp beams are pointed substantially
away from a position slightly down and to
the right
%*
[MC45800(ALL)01/96]
Headlamp Bulb
*
[MC45900(ALL)03/96]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable
bulbs. When the lamp burns out, simply replace
the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996