trailer FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G User Guide

220
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)08/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a
vehicle equipped with an automatic overdrive
transmission, you may wish to operate in Drive
(by cancelling Overdrive with OVERDRIVE OFF
button) rather than
k(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting
to maintain speed. Switch back to Overdrive
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling. This can be accomplished by pushing in
the switch located on the end of the indicator
lever.
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

221
*
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

222
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR39725(ALL)03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (PARK) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39800(ALL)05/90]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[DR40350(ALL)08/95]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake with your
right hand.
*
[DR40575(ALL)06/95]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

231
*
[RE04300(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[RE04400(ALL)01/95]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[RE04500(ALL)01/95]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
q
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/95]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/95]
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/95]
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
*
[RE05000(ALL)01/95]
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.
%*
[RE05100(ALL)03/95]
Spare Tire Location
[RE05200(ALL)03/95]
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.
[RE05300(ALL)01/89]
quarter page art:0020264-A
A side mounted spare tire
File:12cprea.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:46:27 1995

307
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature, after
approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
*
[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33940(ALL)02/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located toward the
passenger's side of the engine), pull the dipstick
out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

321
*
[SV40700(ALL)05/95]
To remove and replace a fuse, use the fuse
puller provided.
[SV43500(ALL)06/95]
quarter page art:0030248-B
The side view of a fuse
*
[SV43700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
[SV43810(ALL)10/90]
Access to the trailer tow fuse is through the rear
most storage compartment in the side trim
panel. This is on the left for all Aerostar models.
[SV43820(ALL)03/95]
1. Remove the screws located inside the
compartment and take off the access hole
cover.
[SV43830(ALL)03/95]
2. Reach in through access hole to remove
fuses. The fuses are located on the side of
the bracket assembly.
[SV43840(ALL)03/95]
3. Replace fuses with standard push-in fuses
(plug type).
[SV43850(ALL)03/95]
4. Reinstall compartment back and screw into
place.
*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Even after you replace a fuse, it will continue to
blow if you do not find what caused the
overload. If the fuse continues to blow, have
your electrical system checked.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995

Index 361
Brakes (continued)
fluid, checking and adding...... 309
fluid, refill capacities......... 309
fluid, specifications........310, 338
front disc.............. 193
if brakes do not grip well....... 195
master cylinder............ 309
new brake linings............ 7
noise..............193, 195
parking............... 197
power braking............ 193
rear anti-lock............. 194
servicing.............195, 309
stopping distances........196, 198
trailer................ 219
when storing your vehicle....... 344
Brake-shift interlock.......... 66,187
Break-in period.............. 7
Brights (high beams)......... 84,110
Built-in child seat
cleaning................ 57
operation............... 48
Bulbs, replacing............. 322
halogen............... 323
headlamps.............. 323
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 253
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 253
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 335
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 71
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 34
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)......163, 169, 175, 177
Catalytic converter........... 331
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . 156
Chains, tires.............. 302
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995

Index 371
Lamps (continued)
interior lamps............ 101
replacing bulbs............ 322
trailer................ 219
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . 109
Lap belts................. 20
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 81
brake................. 75
charging system............ 81
check engine.............. 78
door ajar................ 77
engine oil pressure........... 83
hazard warning light......... 113
high beam............... 84
oil pressure.............. 83
safety belt............... 77
service engine soon........... 78
turn signal indicator......... 109
Load limits............... 202
GAWR................ 202
GVWR................ 202
trailer towing............. 205
Lubricant specifications......... 338
Luggage rack.............. 223
Lug nuts................ 237
standard............... 239
tightening sequence.......... 241
Lumbar support, seats.......... 142
Lumbar support pad.......... 142
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet).......... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 265
Master cylinder, brakes......... 309
Methanol in fuel............ 277
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995

Index 373
Power steering
dipstick............... 311
driving with power steering...... 191
fluid, checking and adding...... 311
fluid, specifications.......... 338
servicing............... 191
Prop rod, hood............. 268
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 149
Rear anti-lock brakes.......... 194
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 338
refill capacity............. 335
traction lok............201, 297
Rear climate control system........ 98
Rear window
defroster................ 99
washer reservoir........... 291
Refill capacities for fluids........ 335
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 252
Reporting safety defects......... 252
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................. 11
child.................. 32
infant............... 32,34
Roadside assistance........... 245
Roadside emergencies.......... 225
Rotating the tires............ 297
S
Safe driving tips............ 198
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 11
Safety chains, when towing a trailer . . . 219
Safety Compliance Certification Label.... 5
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995

Index 375
Serial number (VIN)............ 5
Service concerns............ 246
Servicing your vehicle.......... 265
precautions when servicing...... 266
servicing when you tow........ 202
Shift-lock system........... 66,187
Shift positions (see Gearshift)....... 186
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)........ 11,13
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).... 13
Side mirrors.............. 144
Snow tires and chains.......... 302
Spare tire................ 229
changing the tire.........229, 237
conventional spare.......... 229
finding the spare........... 231
removing the spare tire........ 231
storing the flat tire........231, 239
temporary spare........... 229
Spark plugs, specifications........ 337
Special driving conditions........ 198
Special notice
E-4WD vehicles............. 5
Specification chart, lubricants....... 338
Speed control, when towing a trailer . . . 220
Speedometer............... 87
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 64
starting a cold engine.......... 65
starting after a collision......... 69
starting a warm engine......... 65
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 225
Steering, power............. 191
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995