1997 FORD AEROSTAR tire type

125
*
[SS11650(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: For additional important safety
information on the proper use of seat
belts, child seats, and infant seats,
please read the entire Safety Restraints
chapter in this owner guide.
%*
[SS11700(ALL)05/96]
How Does the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System Work?
*
[SS11800(ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is
designed to activate when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal (lengthwise) deceleration
that is equal to or greater than hitting an
immovable barrier head on at a range of about
8-14 mph (13-23 km/h). The fact that the air
bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean
that something is wrong with the system.
Rather, it means the forces were not of the type
sufficient to cause activation.
*
[SS11900(ALL)05/96]
If the vehicle is in a moderate or severe frontal
collision, the system is activated and the air bags
inflate rapidly. After the air bag inflates, it will
quickly deflate. After the air bag deployment,
you may notice a smoke-like, powdery residue
or smell the burnt propellant. This is normal.
The residue may consist of cornstarch or talcum
powder (which is used to lubricate the air bag)
or sodium compounds, such as sodium
carbonates (e.g. baking soda) that result from the
combustion process that inflates the air bag.
Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be
present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but
none of the residue is toxic. The Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System will reduce, but
not eliminate all injuries in an accident.
*
[SS12000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Several air bag system components get hot
after inflation. Do not try to touch them
after inflation.
File:06cpssa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 08:56:07 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

180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF29001(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF29025(ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF29050(ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(ALL)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29151(ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

185 %
*
[GF30801(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF30850(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[GF30901(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[GF30950(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[GF31001(ALL)01/96]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
*
[GF31050(ALL)01/96]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF31101(ALL)01/96]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

211
*
[ER04300(ALL)02/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[ER04400(ALL)02/96]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[ER04500(ALL)02/96]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[ER04600(ALL)02/96]
q
tow a trailer.
*
[ER04700(ALL)02/96]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[ER04800(ALL)02/96]
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
*
[ER04900(ALL)02/96]
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
*
[ER05000(ALL)02/96]
q
drive through an automatic car wash with
this tire. Because the temporary spare tire is
smaller than a conventional tire, it reduces
the ground clearance. Your vehicle may get
caught in the rails and it could be damaged.
%*
[ER05100(ALL)02/96]
Spare Tire Location
[ER05200(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle is a standard length van model,
the spare tire is mounted inside a carrier at the
left rear quarter panel. To remove the spare tire,
remove the wing nut and plate. A flat tire can
be temporarily stowed in the same location.
[ER05300(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020264-A
A side mounted spare tire
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

257
*
[MC27851(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[MC27860(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Make sure that all replacement tires are of
the same size, type, load-carrying capacity,
and tread design (e.g. ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
*
[MC27885(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh
performanceº tires or larger size tires.
*
[MC27895(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may
adversely affect the handling of the
vehicle and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
*
[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

259 %
*
[MC28800(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC28950(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounted to
maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[MC31100(ALL)01/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC31200(ALL)03/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[MC31300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC31400(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary
spare. For full size tires, use chains on the tires
only in an emergency or if the law requires
them where you live. When you use the tire
chains:
*
[MC31500(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC31550(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
*
[MC31575(ALL)01/96]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996