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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 17 %
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[IS09500(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Gauge
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[IS09700(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON.
*
[IS09850(ALL)01/96]
For a pro FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 17 %
*
[IS09500(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Gauge
*
[IS09700(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON.
*
[IS09850(ALL)01/96]
For a pro](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-19.png)
17 %
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[IS09500(ALL)05/96]
Fuel Gauge
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[IS09700(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition switch is ON.
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[IS09850(ALL)01/96]
For a proper fuel gauge indication after adding
fuel, the ignition switch should be in the OFF
position while the vehicle is being refueled.
*
[IS09900(ALL)01/96]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly while
the vehicle is in motion. This is the result of fuel
movement within the tank. An accurate reading
may be obtained with the vehicle on smooth,
level ground.
[IS10000(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0020061-C
Fuel gauge
%*
[IS11100(ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
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[IS11201(ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
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[IS11301(ALL)05/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the NORMAL band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the NORMAL band under normal driving
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the NORMAL band.
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[IS11401(ALL)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 18
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If your engine overheats:
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[IS11601(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
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[IS11701(ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
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[IS11801(ALL)03/96]
3. L FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 18
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[IS11501(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS11601(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
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[IS11701(ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
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[IS11801(ALL)03/96]
3. L](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-20.png)
18
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[IS11501(ALL)03/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS11601(ALL)03/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
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[IS11701(ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine.
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[IS11801(ALL)03/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
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[IS11901(ALL)01/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
[IS12325(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020541-B
Engine coolant temperature gauge
%*
[IS12601(ALL)03/96]
Speedometer
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[IS12700(ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.
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[IS12750(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle contains a speedometer which
receives its input from the Anti-Lock brake
sensor. The speedometer is also used to provide
a speed signal for correct operation of the
vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
electronic transmission, and speed control (if so
equipped). Because of this, it is very
IMPORTANT to change the speedometer's
internal conversion constant if the size of the
tires on the vehicle is changed. Changing the
conversion constant to the proper value when
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 157
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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 st FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 157
*
[TO07450(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 st](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-157.png)
157
*
[TO07450(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.
*
[TO07500(ALL)01/96]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[TO07600(ALL)01/96]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[TO07700(ALL)01/96]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[TO08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO08100(ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO08150(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
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Page 237 of 347
238 [MC08300(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0095017-ABrake master cylinder reservoir
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[MC08500(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
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[MC08520(ALL)02/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
*
[MC08530(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[MC08540(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020358-A
Windshield washer reservoir
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Page 239 of 347
240 [MC08590(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0020362-CLiftgate window washer reservoir
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[MC08700(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC08710(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC08720(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
[MC08725(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine Compartmentin the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 241
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Adding Engine Coolant
[MC08760(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant to reservoir
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[MC08765(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the contai FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 241
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[MC08755(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
[MC08760(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant to reservoir
*
[MC08765(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the contai](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-239.png)
241
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Adding Engine Coolant
[MC08760(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020354-A
Adding engine coolant to reservoir
*
[MC08765(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
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[MC08770(ALL)05/96]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in
an emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
*
[MC08772(ALL)05/96]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
*
[MC08775(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
[MC08780(ALL)01/96]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap,
follow these steps to avoid personal injury
caused by escaping steam or engine coolant:
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 242 [MC08785(ALL)01/96]1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool.
[MC08790(ALL)01/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly,
counterc FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 242 [MC08785(ALL)01/96]1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool.
[MC08790(ALL)01/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly,
counterc](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-240.png)
242 [MC08785(ALL)01/96]1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool.
[MC08790(ALL)01/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly,
counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC08800(ALL)05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC08810(ALL)05/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove
it.
[MC08815(ALL)01/96]
UseFord Premium Engine Coolant
E2FZ-19549-AA(in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals and rubber
elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
*
[MC08820(ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system.The use of an
improper coolant may void the warranty of
your vehicle's engine cooling system.
*
[MC08825(ALL)05/96]
Recycled engine coolant
*
[MC08830(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford
and Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce
coolant which meets Ford specification
ESE-M97B44-A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 243
*
[MC08835(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your communitys
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC088 FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 243
*
[MC08835(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your communitys
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC088](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-241.png)
243
*
[MC08835(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC08840(ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
*
[MC08845(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, refer toRefill capacities
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
*
[MC08850(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
*
[MC08855(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
[MC08860(ALL)01/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
S34ÊF (S38ÊC), it may be necessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC08865(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC08870(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
%*
[MC08875(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC08915(ALL)05/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theService Manual,or
you can see a qualified technician.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996