1997 FORD AEROSTAR brakes

6
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[II06500(ALL)01/96]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
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[II06600(ALL)01/96]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
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[II06700(ALL)01/96]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
*
[II06750(ALL)05/96]
q
Wheel lug nuts must be retightened to proper
torque specifications at 500 miles/800 km of
new vehicle operation. Proper torque
specifications are provided in theRoadside
Emergencieschapter. Also retighten to proper
torque specifications at 500 miles/800 km
after any wheel change or any other time the
wheel lug nuts have been loosened.
%*
[II06800(ALL)03/96]
q
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends.SeeEngine oil recommendations
in the Index. Do not use special ªbreak-inº
oils.
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[II10000(ALL)03/96]
Things to Know About Using
This Guide
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[II10100(ALL)03/96]
Congratulations on the purchase of your new
vehicle. This guide has information about the
equipment and the options for your new vehicle.
You may not have bought all of the options
available to you. If you do not know which
information applies to your vehicle, talk to your
dealer.
*
[II10200(ALL)03/96]
This guide describes equipment and gives
specifications for equipment that was in effect
when this guide was approved for printing. Ford
may discontinue models or change specifications
or design without any notice and without
incurring obligation.
File:02cpiia.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:22:57 1996

9
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[IS03000(ALL)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[IS03100(ALL)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
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[IS03300(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
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[IS03400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or illuminates after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
[IS03600(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0095034-A
Brake warning light symbol
File:03cpisa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:23:36 1996

163
Driving
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[GF00300(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF00350(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
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[GF00400(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
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[GF00450(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[GF00500(ALL)03/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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[GF00550(ALL)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
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[GF00600(ALL)03/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
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[GF00650(ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
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[GF00700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

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.
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[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
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[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.
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[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
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[GF01350(ALL)03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
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[GF01400(ALL)03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
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[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

166 %
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[GF01600(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
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[GF01650(ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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[GF01700(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
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[GF01750(ALL)05/96]
Parking Brake
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[GF01800(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[GF01850(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake is a hand operated lever
located on the floor of your van just to the right
of the driver's seat.
[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
To set the parking brake while parking your
van, press the brake pedal with your right foot
and hold it while you fully apply the parking
brake lever.
[GF01950(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the brake
pedal with your right foot, depress the release
button in the parking brake lever while pulling
up on the lever, and then lower the lever all the
way to the floor.
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.
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[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.
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[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

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