1997 FORD AEROSTAR fuel

17 %
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[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 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
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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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Update:Fri Jun 7 14:23:36 1996

153
Starting
%*
[TO04800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO04900(ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
*
[TO05150(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO05200(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO05300(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.
*
[TO05400(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO05750(ALL)01/96]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
*
[TO06015(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
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Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

156
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[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
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[TO06825(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO06851(ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO06876(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO06900(ALL)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO06925(ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
*
[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.
%*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
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Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

158
%*
[TO08500(ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
%*
[TO08510(ALL)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
[TO08520(ALL)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start even after a small collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt. Refer to the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
*
[TO08530(ALL)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle.
[TO08540(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095071-A
Fuel pump shut-off switch location
*
[TO08550(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
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Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

159
*
[TO08560(ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[TO08570(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO08580(ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[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.
*
[TO08600(ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[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.
*
[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
*
[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.
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Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

169
*
[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.
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Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

174
*
[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.
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Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

176
*
[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