FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual

190
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[DR07600(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
[DR07700(ALL)06/92]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). This position locks the
transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
[DR07800(ALL)06/92]
To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push
it toward the instrument panel.
*
[DR08000(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR08100(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[DR08500(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
[DR08600(ALL)08/95]
To gain acceleration inj(Overdrive) or Drive
(jposition with Overdrive cancelled) when
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to
the floor. The transmission will downshift to 2
(Second) gear or to 1 (First) gear at calibrated
speeds.
*
[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[DR11275(ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[DR11285(ALL)03/94]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

191
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[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
[DR16005(ALL)06/95]Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
(If equipped)
[DR16015(ALL)06/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the E-4WD
option, power is provided to all four wheels
whenever you press the accelerator pedal. It
improves both handling and traction during
difficult driving conditions, adjusting
automatically to your driving needs. Because the
entire E-4WD system is controlled by a
microprocessor, your vehicle is not equipped
with the switch or shift lever used with most
traditional 4WD vehicles. The microprocessor
does all the adjusting for you.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

192 [DR16025(ALL)05/94]How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
System Works
[DR16036(ALL)03/90]
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.)
[DR16046(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: The microprocessor is disabled when
the brakes are applied or when the
transmission selector is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) positions.
[DR16055(ALL)05/94]
Driving Your Electronic 4-Wheel Drive
(E-4WD) Vehicle
[DR16065(ALL)03/95]
Since your E-4WD vehicle is unique, follow these
steps to be safe:
[DR16075(ALL)03/95]
q
Avoid unnecessary turns or other maneuvers
that could cause loss of control and possible
injury.
[DR16076(ALL)06/95]
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.
[DR16077(ALL)03/95]
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.
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193 [DR16095(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not let the added driving traction of
E-4WD lead you to believe that you can stop
any quicker than a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle. The added traction performance
does not improve the braking ability of the
E-4WD vehicle. Allow the same amount of
distance when braking as with a two-wheel
drive vehicle.
[DR16096(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Your E-4WD Aerostar is a passenger
vehicle designed for on-road use; it is not
intended for any off-road use.
[DR16097(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
On-vehicle wheel balancing will cause
damage to the drivetrain of E-4WD
Aerostars.
%
*
[DR21400(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600(ALL)06/95]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
*
[DR21900(ALL)10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR22000(ALL)08/95]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

194
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
%*
[DR22500(ALL)10/94]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[DR22700(ALL)06/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a rear Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS). This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
completely locking up when the brakes are
applied in a panic stop, for example.
*
[DR22800(ALL)07/94]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
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195
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[DR22900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[DR22910(ALL)07/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
%*
[DR23200(ALL)07/95]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
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.
%*
[DR23300(ALL)07/95]
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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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

196
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[DR23700(ALL)07/95]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
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.
%*
[DR24000(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100(ALL)11/89]
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.
%*
[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[DR24300(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24500(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

197 %
*
[DR24600(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR24650(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you
park your vehicle.
[DR24700(ALL)01/89]
The parking brake is a hand operated lever
located on the floor of your van just to the right
of the driver's seat.
[DR24750(ALL)12/91]
To set the parking brake while parking your
van, press the brake pedal with your right foot
and hold it while you fully apply the parking
brake lever.
[DR24900(ALL)08/95]
To release the parking brake, press the brake
pedal with your right foot, depress the release
button in the parking brake lever while pulling
up on the lever, and then lower the lever all the
way to the floor.
[DR24910(ALL)11/89]
quarter page art:0020566-A
Parking Brake
*
[DR24960(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

198
*
[DR25050(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
%
*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR25350(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[DR25401(ALL)02/95]
q
Extreme braking can cause the front wheels
to lock and slide, making it difficult to
control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake
pedal with steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to brake yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction
you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the
ªsqueezeº technique.
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Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

199
*
[DR25450(ALL)02/95]
q
Abruptly releasing the accelerator or braking
hard when your vehicle is in a severe curve
at a speed which is high in relationship to the
severity of the curve (and other factors like
road, weather, and tire conditions) may cause
the vehicle to change its direction of travel. If
possible, avoid application of the brakes. If
braking is necessary, it should be done by
using the ªsqueezeº technique described
earlier.
*
[DR25475(ALL)08/95]
If you run off the road, do not turn the steering
wheel sharply to return to the road. Instead,
slow the vehicle sufficiently and gradually steer
the vehicle back onto the road.
*
[DR25501(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550(ALL)11/92]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
[DR25601(ALL)08/95]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to second gear.
*
[DR26301(ALL)01/89]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[DR26550(ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26590(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995