FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual

200
*
[DR26625(ALL)12/91]
Speed limiter
*
[DR26652(ALL)05/95]
All models are equipped with an Electronic
Engine Control (EEC) system 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.
%*
[DR26701(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR27025(ALL)08/95]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes
(except with rear anti-lock brakes).
*
[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27201(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
*
[DR27401(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not
prevent brake lock-up on extremely
slippery surfaces.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

201 %
*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires
on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

202
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
%
*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

203
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
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.
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
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.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
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.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
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.)
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

204
*
[DR29151(ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR29201(ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
[DR29250(ALL)03/90]
Standard length vehicles adapted for trailer tow
may require relocation of the underbody spare
tire. It is recommended that you secure the tire
under the rear-most seat using the hold-down
hardware located with the jack.
[DR29301(ALL)03/91]
one third page art:0020268-A
Spare tire stowage (standard length model)
*
[DR29350(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

205
%*
[DR29401(ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[DR29450(ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR29501(ALL)12/91]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
[DR29504(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

206 [DR29510(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Do not allow people to ride in any area of
the vehicle that is not equipped with seats
and safety belts.
[DR29520(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a safety belt properly.
*
[DR29525(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[DR29551(ALL)03/91]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

207
*
[DR29601(ALL)04/95]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
[DR29650(ALL)05/94]
half page art:0020148-G
Safety Compliance Certification Label
*
[DR29950(ALL)06/92]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
*
[DR30001(ALL)06/92]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
*
[DR30050(ALL)03/94]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
*
[DR30101(ALL)01/93]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR30150(ALL)01/93]
q
Payload
*
[DR30200(ALL)01/93]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[DR30250(ALL)01/93]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

208
*
[DR30301(ALL)01/93]
q
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
[DR30305(ALL)08/95]
q
GAWR F (Gross Axle Weight Rating Front)
[DR30307(ALL)08/95]
q
GAWR R (Gross Axle Weight Rating Rear)
*
[DR30310(ALL)06/92]
q
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR30320(ALL)06/92]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR30330(ALL)06/92]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR30340(ALL)06/92]
q
Trailer Weight Range
*
[DR30351(ALL)03/91]
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR30401(ALL)03/94]
The Base Curb Weight is the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, coolants, lubricants,
emergency tools, spare wheel and tire. It also
includes any equipment that isstandardon that
model. It does not include passengers, cargo or
optional equipment installed by factory, dealer,
aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[DR30451(ALL)03/91]
Payload
*
[DR30501(ALL)03/91]
Payload is the combined, maximum allowable
weight of cargo, occupants and optional
equipment that the truck is designed to carry. It
is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base
curb weight.
*
[DR30550(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR30650(ALL)08/95]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a
limit or a specification.If an owner loads up a
vehicle and weighs it, that's the GVW at that
moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

209 %
*
[DR30701(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750(ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
%*
[DR30801(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850(ALL)03/91]
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.
*
[DR30901(ALL)03/91]
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.
*
[DR30950(ALL)06/92]
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.
*
[DR31001(ALL)06/92]
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.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995