Page 239 of 347
240 [MC08590(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0020362-CLiftgate window washer reservoir
%*
[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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262 [MC35710(ALL)05/96]
half page art:0095076-BFuel filler door override handle
%*
[MC35720(ALL)01/96]
Removing the fuel cap
*
[MC35730(ALL)01/96]
The proper instructions for removing the fuel
cap are as follows:
*
[MC35740(ALL)01/96]
q
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on
the plastic lock bar and rotating the fuel cap
counterclockwise.
*
[MC35750(ALL)01/96]
q
Turn the fuel cap 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn until a
hissing sound is heard. When the hissing
sound stops, continue rotating
counterclockwise to remove the fuel cap.
*
[MC35760(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure that you follow the above fuel cap
removal instructions and use caution. Such
caution will minimize the possibility of fuel
spraying during removal of the fuel cap.
*
[MC35770(ALL)03/96]
To replace and secure the fuel cap, place it in
position and rotate it clockwise until it clicks
(ratchets). Doing so will not damage or break
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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 equivale FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 equivale](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-261.png)
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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![FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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.
*
[MC3700 FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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.
*
[MC3700](/manual-img/11/4752/w960_4752-265.png)
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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Index 341
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 165
Emission control system
catalytic converter.......... 269
emissions warranty......... 3,269
Engine
check engine warning light....... 12
does not start............ 158
fuel injected engine, starting...... 153
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 158
preparing to start........... 153
refill capacities............ 294
service points............ 297
starting............... 154
starting after a collision........ 158
storing your vehicle.......... 283
Engine block heater........... 157
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 240
checking hoses............ 243
disposal.............230, 248
drain and flush............ 243
preparing for storage......... 285
proper solution..........230, 248
recovery reservoir........240, 297
refill capacities............ 294
specifications............. 296
temperature gauge........... 17
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description............... 17
mechanical............... 17
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:electronic............. 17
Engine fan............... 230
Engine:idle speed control........ 156
Engine knocking............ 264
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Index 343
Fuel
calculating fuel economy....... 268
capacity............... 294
choosing the right fuel........ 264
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates......... 268
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 260
filter, specifications.......... 293
fuel filler door release lever...... 260
fuel gauge............... 17
octane rating............. 264
quality................ 264
running out of fuel.......... 267
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 265
storing your vehicle.......... 284
treating emergencies......... 265
Fuel cap................ 260
removing............260, 262
replacing.............260, 263
Fuel filler door
override, manual........... 261
remote release............ 260
Fuel filter, specifications......... 293
Fuel gauge................ 17
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start......... 158
starting after a collision........ 158
Fuse panels............... 200
Fuses
charts................ 200
circuit breakers............ 209
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344 Index
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 260
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . . 264, 268
Gasohol................ 265
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 260
Gauges, Mechanical
battery voltage gauge.......... 15
charging system gauge......... 15
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 17
engine oil pressure gauge........ 16
fuel gauge............... 17
odometer................ 20
speedometer.............. 18
trip odometer.............. 20
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 187
definition.............179, 185
driving with a heavy load....... 179
location............... 185
Gearshift
automatic operation.......... 170
column-mounted........... 170
gearshift override.........155, 171
locking the gearshift........... 74
positions............... 170
shifting the gears........... 170
shift-lock.............155, 171
Gearshift:shifting the gears........ 170
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 187
definition.............179, 184
driving with a heavy load....... 179
location............... 185
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Index 347
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
engine oil pressure........... 16
hazard warning light........ 78,199
high beam............... 14
oil pressure.............. 16
safety belt............... 11
service engine soon........... 12
turn signal indicator.......... 75
Load limits
GAWR................ 179
GVWR................ 179
trailer towing............. 181
Lubricant specifications......... 296
Lug nuts
standard............... 219
tightening sequence........216, 221
Lumbar support, seats.......... 106
Lumbar support pad.......... 106
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet).......... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 229
Manual transmission
fluid capacities............ 294
lubricant specifications........ 296
Master cylinder, brakes......... 236
Methanol in fuel............ 265
Mileage, calculating fuel economy.... 268
Mirrors
dual electric remote control....... 91
rearview................ 91
side view mirrors............ 91
side view mirrors (power)........ 91
Motorcraft parts............. 293
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