4WD FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual

Page 8 of 347

5
%*
[II05200(ALL)03/96]
Special Notice
[II05250(ALL)03/96]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
E-4WD VEHICLES
[II05300(ALL)03/96]
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. Be sure to read the
special driving instructions in the section
Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)in this book.
%*
[II05545(ALL)01/96]
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation
*
[II05560(ALL)01/96]
Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA),
and/or state and local laws and regulations may
require additional equipment for the way you
intend to use the vehicle. It is the responsibility
of the registered owner to determine the
applicability of such laws and regulations to
your intended use for the vehicle, and to
arrange for the installation of required
equipment. Your Ford dealer has information
about the availability of many items of
equipment which may be ordered for your
vehicle.
%
*
[II06000(ALL)01/96]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
*
[II06100(ALL)01/96]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
%*
[II06300(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:
*
[II06400(ALL)01/96]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.
File:02cpiia.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:22:57 1996

Page 15 of 347

12 %
*
[IS04500(ALL)03/96]
Check Engine Warning Light
[IS04560(ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates when the engine's
Emission Control System requires service. It will
also illuminate when the ignition key is in the
ON position and the engine is off.
*
[IS05300(ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0020048-A
Check engine warning light
[IS05525(ALL)01/96]
Electronic 4-Wheel Drive Warning Light
(If equipped)
[IS05550(ALL)03/96]
The Electronic 4-Wheel Drive Warning Light
illuminates when the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive
system is not working properly. This light
illuminates briefly when you turn the ignition
key to the ON position, but should turn off
when the engine starts. If the light does not
illuminate when you turn the ignition to the ON
position, or if it illuminates and stays on when
you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible.
[IS05560(ALL)03/96]
The 4WD light will go off after a few seconds
and stay off if all systems are operating
correctly. If a problem is detected, the 4WD
warning light will flash a certain number of
times indicating the location of the problem. The
flashing will continue until the problem is
corrected. Each time the ignition key is turned
on, the controller will detect the problem and
flash the signal. The 4WD system remains safe to
operate and the vehicle should be returned for
service.
File:03cpisa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:23:36 1996

Page 177 of 347

177
*
[GF15000(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF15100(ALL)06/96]
To gain acceleration inj(Overdrive) or Drive
(Overdrive off) when passing another vehicle,
push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate
gear: fourth, third, second or first gear.
%
*
[GF15600(ALL)05/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle
(If equipped)
*
[GF15700(ALL)05/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[GF15800(ALL)03/96]
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.
[GF16005(ALL)01/96]Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
(If equipped)
[GF16015(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

Page 178 of 347

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

Page 179 of 347

179 [GF16095(ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF16096(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Your E-4WD Aerostar is a passenger
vehicle designed for on-road use; it is not
intended for any off-road use.
[GF16097(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On-vehicle wheel balancing will cause
damage to the drivetrain of E-4WD
Aerostars.
%
*
[GF28050(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF28101(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF28150(ALL)01/96]
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:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

Page 210 of 347

210 %
*
[ER04000(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
%*
[ER04100(ALL)02/96]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare
tire. This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use only. Use it
only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with
the words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that
you can easily identify it.
*
[ER04200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
[ER04250(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The tire size on the E-4WD must be
maintained.
[ER04260(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a full diameter mini
spare or a full size tire. This full diameter mini
spare is special for the E-4WD and another mini
spare from another vehicle can not be
substituted without the possibility of damage to
your vehicle. All tires should be inflated to the
manufacturer's recommended pressures.
*
[ER04275(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
*
[ER04280(ALL)01/96]
Extended use of other than matching size spare
tires on a Traction-Lok 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.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

Page 212 of 347

212 [ER05400(ALL)01/96]If your vehicle is the model with a standard
length body or extended length (all models), the
temporary spare tire is stowed at the rear of the
vehicle under the body.
[ER05450(ALL)01/96]
The standard length E-4WD model spare tire is
mounted on the floor.
[ER05500(ALL)01/96]
To remove underbody temporary spare tire:
[ER05600(ALL)01/96]
1. Insert lug nut wrench into the actuator hole
and turn counterclockwise until the cable
extends to allow the spare tire to be pulled
rearward from under the vehicle.
[ER05700(ALL)04/96]
2. Slide the spare tire to the rear and remove
the retainer from the wheel.
[ER05800(ALL)01/96]
3. To stow cable/retainer with spare tire
removed, insert cable fitting into carrier rear
wall slot, place wheel retainer against the
carrier, and turn lug nut wrench clockwise
until slack is removed.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

Page 226 of 347

226 %
*
[ER24660(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
*
[ER24670(ALL)02/96]
1.Always remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order.Remove the negative (S) end
of the jumper cable from the metallic surface
on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER24680(ALL)03/96]
2. Remove the negative (S) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24690(ALL)02/96]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER24692(ALL)02/96]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[ER24694(ALL)02/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to
use a battery charger to fully recharge the
battery.
*
[ER24695(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
%
*
[ER24700(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
[ER24750(ALL)01/96]
The recommended method to tow your Aerostar
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable. On
vehicles equipped with an under-vehicle spare
tire carrier, remove the tire assembly from the
carrier and store it in a secure area before
towing. For E-4WD vehicles, the 4-wheel drive
system must be disabled prior to towing. The
transmission must be in N (Neutral) and the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position to
disable the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive System.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

Page 253 of 347

254
*
[MC26430(ALL)03/96]
Front wheel bearings require periodic repacking
and adjustment as specified in theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet. Loose or worn front wheel
bearings tend to let the vehicle wander or
shimmy, and can eventually cause excessive tire
wear.
*
[MC26435(ALL)03/96]
Whenever a wheel is removed and then
re-installed, always remove any corrosion that
may be present on the mounting surface of the
wheel and/or the surface of the hub, drum or
rotor that contacts the wheel.
*
[MC26440(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Installing wheels without a good
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel
mounting surface can cause the wheel lug
nuts to loosen and could allow the wheel
to come off while the vehicle is in motion.
[MC26447(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On-vehicle wheel balancing will cause
damage to the drivetrain of E-4WD
Aerostars.
%
*
[MC26450(ALL)05/96]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle
(If equipped)
*
[MC26460(ALL)05/96]
This axle provides added drive away traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor traction.
*
[MC26470(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

Page 342 of 347

Index 351
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints).......108, 110
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints) . . . 110
Side mirrors
adjusting................ 91
Snow tires and chains.......... 259
Spare tire
changing the tire.........209, 216
conventional spare........209, 211
finding the spare........... 211
removing the spare tire........ 211
storing the flat tire........211, 219
temporary spare........... 210
Spark plugs, specifications........ 293
Special notice
E-4WD vehicles............. 5
Specification chart, lubricants....... 296
Speed control
turning off............... 80
when towing a trailer......... 196
Speedometer............... 18
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 153
starting a cold engine......... 154
starting after a collision........ 158
starting a warm engine........ 154
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 222
Steering, power............. 168
Steering wheel
locking................ 74
tilting................. 79
Storage compartments
center console............. 92
underseat storage drawer....... 107
Storing your vehicle........... 283
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 13
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . . . 122
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996