1997 FORD AEROSTAR check engine light

12 %
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[IS04500(ALL)03/96]
Check Engine Warning Light
[IS04560(ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates when the engine's
Emission Control System requires service. It will
also illuminate when the ignition key is in the
ON position and the engine is off.
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[IS05300(ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0020048-A
Check engine warning light
[IS05525(ALL)01/96]
Electronic 4-Wheel Drive Warning Light
(If equipped)
[IS05550(ALL)03/96]
The Electronic 4-Wheel Drive Warning Light
illuminates when the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive
system is not working properly. This light
illuminates briefly when you turn the ignition
key to the ON position, but should turn off
when the engine starts. If the light does not
illuminate when you turn the ignition to the ON
position, or if it illuminates and stays on when
you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible.
[IS05560(ALL)03/96]
The 4WD light will go off after a few seconds
and stay off if all systems are operating
correctly. If a problem is detected, the 4WD
warning light will flash a certain number of
times indicating the location of the problem. The
flashing will continue until the problem is
corrected. Each time the ignition key is turned
on, the controller will detect the problem and
flash the signal. The 4WD system remains safe to
operate and the vehicle should be returned for
service.
File:03cpisa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:23:36 1996

13 [IS05575(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0020529-B
Electronic 4-wheel drive warning light
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[IS05900(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
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[IS06000(ALL)05/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[IS06050(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0095040-A
Charging system light
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[IS06100(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
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[IS06300(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
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[IS06305(ALL)05/96]
Supplemental Air Bag Readiness Light and
Tone Generator
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[IS06310(ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates for six seconds when the
ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash, remains on,
or if a series of five beeps is heard, have the
system serviced as soon as possible.
File:03cpisa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:23:36 1996

156
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If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
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1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[TO06851(ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
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[TO06925(ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
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[TO06951(ALL)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
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[TO07300(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
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[TO07390(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
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[TO07400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

159
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[TO08560(ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
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[TO08570(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[TO08580(ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[TO08590(ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
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[TO08600(ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
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[TO08610(ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
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[TO08620(ALL)01/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
[TO08630(ALL)04/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
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[TO09200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 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.
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[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.
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[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

197
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[GF39300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
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[GF39400(ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
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[GF39500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
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[GF39600(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
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[GF39725(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
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[GF39800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
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[GF39900(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
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[GF40000(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
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[GF40100(ALL)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

229
Maintenance and Care
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[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Service Made Easy
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[MC00400(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00500(ALL)01/96]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[MC00700(ALL)01/96]
q
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[MC00800(ALL)03/96]
q
When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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[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.
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[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[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.
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[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

234
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[MC06085(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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[MC06090(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[MC06095(ALL)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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[MC06100(ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[MC06110(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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[MC06120(ALL)01/96]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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[MC06130(ALL)01/96]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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[MC06140(ALL)01/96]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[MC06150(ALL)01/96]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996