warning light FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G User Guide

108 [SS00505(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0020694-CUnderseat stowage drawer Ð RH front passenger seat only
%*
[SS00550(ALL)02/96]
Important Safety Belt Information
*
[SS00600(ALL)05/96]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada, the law requires their use.
*
[SS00700(ALL)02/96]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
*
[SS00800(ALL)02/96]
q
the seatback is upright
*
[SS00900(ALL)02/96]
q
the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
*
[SS01000(ALL)02/96]
q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
*
[SS01100(ALL)02/96]
q
the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
*
[SS01200(ALL)02/96]
q
the knees are straight forward
*
[SS01700(ALL)02/96]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theInstrumentationchapter.
File:06cpssa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 08:56:07 1996

126 [SS12100(ALL)05/96]
half page art:0011063-A
*
[SS12200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
The air bag will inflate only once. The
system is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis. If the air bag is
inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE
REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air
bag is not replaced, this will increase the
risk of injury in a subsequent collision.
*
[SS12300(ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of:
*
[SS12400(ALL)05/96]
q
driver and passenger air bag modules (which
include the inflators and air bags),
*
[SS12500(ALL)05/96]
q
one or more impact and safing sensors,
*
[SS12600(ALL)05/96]
q
a system diagnostic module,
*
[SS12650(ALL)05/96]
q
a readiness light and tone,
File:06cpssa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 08:56:07 1996

153
Starting
%*
[TO04800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
*
[TO04900(ALL)01/96]
When starting a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid
pressing down on the accelerator before or
during starting. Only use the accelerator when
you have problems getting your vehicle started.
SeeStarting Your Enginein this chapter for
details about when to use the accelerator while
you start your vehicle.
*
[TO05150(ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[TO05200(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO05300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO05400(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[TO05500(ALL)01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[TO05600(ALL)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO05750(ALL)01/96]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key.
*
[TO06015(ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

156
*
[TO06800(ALL)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
*
[TO06825(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO06851(ALL)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[TO06876(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[TO06900(ALL)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[TO06925(ALL)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
*
[TO06951(ALL)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
%*
[TO07300(ALL)01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[TO07390(ALL)01/96]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[TO07400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

159
*
[TO08560(ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[TO08570(ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO08580(ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[TO08590(ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[TO08600(ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[TO08610(ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[TO08620(ALL)01/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
[TO08630(ALL)04/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
*
[TO09200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

163
Driving
%*
[GF00300(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00350(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[GF00400(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
*
[GF00450(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF00500(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[GF00550(ALL)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
*
[GF00600(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[GF00650(ALL)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[GF00700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

164 %
*
[GF00750(ALL)01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF00850(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[GF00950(ALL)03/96]
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.
%*
[GF01000(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
%*
[GF01100(ALL)03/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

165
*
[GF01150(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF01250(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF01300(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Pull
*
[GF01350(ALL)03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF01400(ALL)03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF01450(ALL)03/96]
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.
%*
[GF01500(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF01550(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

167 [GF02000(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020566-A
Parking Brake
*
[GF02100(ALL)05/96]
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.
*
[GF02200(ALL)02/96]
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.
*
[GF02250(ALL)03/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

182
*
[GF29501(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF29504(ALL)05/96]
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. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[GF29525(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[GF29551(ALL)01/96]
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:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996