light FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owner's Guide

185
Driving Your Aerostar
[DR00300(ALL)08/95]
Automatic Transmission
Operation (4R44E/4R55E)
*
[DR00350(ALL)08/95]
The 4R44E and 4R55E transmissions are
electronically controlled four speed overdrive
automatic transmissions with lockup torque
converter. Transmission operation is controlled
by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
*
[DR00425(ALL)08/95]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission
operation to make up for varying conditions.
Several sensors located on the engine and
transmission such as throttle position, engine
speed, vehicle speed and transmission
temperature are used by the PCM to shift the
transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel
economy. For example, you may notice that the
transmission will upshift to a higher gear more
quickly when the vehicle has not reached normal
operating temperature.
*
[DR00475(ALL)08/95]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque
Converter Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle
performance and fuel economy. The TCC will
engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by
the PCM have been met. Engagement of the
clutch may be noted as a decrease in engine
speed.
[DR00500(ALL)08/95]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually
performs self-tests on the electronic control
system and, if any faults are detected, stores
them in memory. The Overdrive Off Indicator
Light (O/D OFF), which is located on the
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

186gearshift lever, may flash steadily if a
malfunction has been detected. If the Overdrive
Off Indicator Light is flashing, contact your Ford
dealer as soon as possible. If this condition
persists, damage to the transmission could occur.
*
[DR00700(ALL)03/95]
Some vehicles are equipped with a Powertrain
Control Module that limits engine speeds with a
cut-out mode to promote durability.
[DR05700(ALL)06/95]Automatic Overdrive
Transmission
%*
[DR05750(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[DR05800(ALL)03/93]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. You can put the gearshift in any one of
several positions.
[DR06001(ALL)06/95]
one third page art:0095027-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
*
[DR06200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

188 %
*
[DR06401(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR06501(ALL)02/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[DR06520(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
[DR06550(ALL)08/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the vehicle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline, unless the parking brake or
brakes are on.
%*
[DR06601(ALL)01/95]
Driving
%*
[DR06700(ALL)04/95]
When to usej(Overdrive)
[DR06800(ALL)08/95]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
[DR06810(ALL)08/95]
When to use Drive
[DR06830(ALL)08/95]
You will note there is not a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a transmission control switch labeled
OVERDRIVE OFF located on the end of the
gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
indicator light (OFF) illuminates on the gearshift
lever. With overdrive cancelled and the word
OFF illuminated, the transmission will operate in
gears one through three. This is useful if you
experience frequent downshift/upshift
conditions, when operating with a heavy load or
in hilly terrain, or if additional engine braking is
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

189
useful. However, shift back toj(Overdrive)
whenever practical for optimum powertrain
cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing the transmission
control switch again, to cancel the OVERDRIVE
OFF control and light.
[DR06850(ALL)06/95]
one third page art:0095028-A*
[DR07100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
[DR07200(ALL)06/92]
With the gearshift in the 2 (Second) gear
position more engine braking is provided. Use 2
(Second) gear to drive up moderately steep
grades, to start up slippery roads, or to provide
moderate engine braking on downgrades. DO
NOT GO FASTER THAN 55 mph (88 km/h) IN
THIS GEARSHIFT POSITION.
*
[DR07400(ALL)01/95]
When to use 1 (Low)
[DR07500(ALL)06/92]
With the gearshift in the 1 (First) gear position
maximum engine braking is provided. This
position provides 1 (First) gear operation only
with no automatic upshifts. To obtain upshifts
the gearshift must be moved out of this position.
Use 1 (First) gear to drive up steep grades, or to
provide maximum engine braking on
downgrades.
File:10cpdra.ex
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.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

195
*
[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.
File:10cpdra.ex
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.
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

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

210
*
[DR31050(ALL)06/92]
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.
*
[DR31101(ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[DR31110(ALL)06/92]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR31120(ALL)06/92]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR31130(ALL)06/92]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
*
[DR31140(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR31150(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the
maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting
the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight
of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995