weight FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G User Guide

187 %
*
[GF31301(ALL)01/96]
Calculating The Load
*
[GF31350(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[GF31401(ALL)03/96]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the Owner Guide (refer to
the Index)
*
[GF31450(ALL)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF31501(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
*
[GF31550(ALL)01/96]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle (without cargo).
*
[GF31601(ALL)01/96]
q
Subtract the total weight of passengers, driver
and optional equipment added by the factory,
dealer or aftermarket supplier to determine
how much cargo weight you can carry.
*
[GF31702(ALL)01/96]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive,
have your vehicle weighed at a highway weigh
station or appropriate commercial facility. Weigh
the total vehicle and trailer (if applicable), then
separately weigh the vehicle at the front and
rear wheels. And finally, weigh the trailer
separately if applicable.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

188
*
[GF31751(ALL)01/96]
Use this chart to perform your calculations.
[GF31805(ALL)01/96]
twenty-six pica chart:0021098-B*
[GF31851(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance
Certification Label has two weight
related entries that sometimes cause
confusion.
*
[GF31901(ALL)01/96]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If
this value is given as 83 pounds (38 kgs) on the
label, does this mean that you are limited to
adding only 83 pounds (38 kgs) of accessories to
the front end capacity? Not exactly. This says
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

189
that you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options
on the front axle, add 150 pound (68 kgs)
passengers to all seating positions, and add
evenly distributed cargo in the box without
exceeding the GAWR F.
*
[GF31950(ALL)01/96]
It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the
front as long as the vehicle owner/operator
compensates. This can be accomplished, if
necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less
cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear,
which has the effect of reducing the load on the
front. Keep in mind that the GAWR F, GAWR
R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded.
*
[GF32001(ALL)06/96]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds
(kgs): If, for example, this value is given as 112
pounds (51 kgs), does this mean that you are
limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of
accessories to your vehicle? Yes, that is correct
for permanently installed accessories. This is a
number that is related to government crash test
standards. Therefore, no more than this weight
should be permanently installed on your vehicle.
*
[GF32050(ALL)01/96]
In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112
pounds) (38 and 51 kgs), the important thing to
remember is that for safe operation, an
owner/operator should calculate the amount and
the distribution of all weights (passengers,
accessory equipment and cargo). These combined
weights should fall below the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR.
*
[GF32201(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF32251(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

190
*
[GF32301(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF32350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF32401(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[GF32450(ALL)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[GF32500(ALL)01/96]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[GF32551(ALL)01/96]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

194If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[GF36560(ALL)01/96]
Under certain circumstances, the trailer frontal
area is not to exceed the base vehicle frontal
area, no matter what size engine your vehicle
has:
[GF36570(ALL)01/96]
q
If you drive on roads with steep grades or on
roads with moderate grades that are 5 miles
(8 km) or longer.
[GF36580(ALL)01/96]
q
If outside temperature in which you travel is
above100ÊF (38ÊC).
%*
[GF36600(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF36650(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
*
[GF36800(ALL)01/96]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[GF37000(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
%*
[GF37800(ALL)01/96]
Safety Chains
*
[GF37900(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

197
*
[GF39300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF39400(ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF39500(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF39600(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF39725(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF39800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
*
[GF39900(ALL)01/96]
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:
*
[GF40000(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF40100(ALL)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

198
*
[GF40200(ALL)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF40350(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF40575(ALL)01/96]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF40600(ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[GF40700(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF40800(ALL)01/96]
q
Start the engine.
*
[GF40900(ALL)01/96]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[GF41000(ALL)01/96]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[GF41100(ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
[GF41200(ALL)01/96]
Luggage Rack (If equipped)
[GF41300(ALL)01/96]
Always distribute your luggage load evenly. Do
not load more than 100 pounds (45 kg) onto
rack or cause the vehicle to exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
[GF41400(ALL)01/96]
The crossbars and cross slats are adjustable.
Loosen the adjustment screws, slide the bars and
slats as necessary, and retighten the screws.
*
[GF41500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Be sure that items on the roof rack are
securely fastened.
[GF41600(ALL)01/96]
Use caution to avoid scratching the paint. Drive
carefully and avoid sudden starts and stops.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

252
*
[MC24900(ALL)02/96]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[MC25000(ALL)01/96]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
%
*
[MC25200(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC25300(ALL)03/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[MC25400(ALL)02/96]
q
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC25500(ALL)02/96]
q
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold,
after the vehicle has been parked for at least
one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles
(5 km).
*
[MC25600(ALL)03/96]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[MC25700(ALL)03/96]
q
Adjust tire pressure to recommended
specifications found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[MC25750(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the spare tire is mounted and
anchored properly in the tire carrier without
contacting functional parts such as brake
tubes, fuel lines, exhaust pipes, etc.
*
[MC25800(ALL)03/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[MC25890(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

289 [MC99959(ALL)01/96]
fourteen pica chart:0095005-A
*
[MC99961(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight
capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label). Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
*
[MC99962(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or the Canadian
Radio Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) regulates the use of mobile
communications systems Ð such as
two-way radios, telephones, and theft
alarms Ð that are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should comply
with FCC or CRTC regulations and
should be installed only by a qualified
technician.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

300
%*
[CS55000(ALL)01/96]
Your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
*
[CS55100(ALL)04/96]
You should include your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) any time you write to Ford
Motor Company about your vehicle.
*
[CS55200(ALL)03/96]
The Vehicle Identification Number is attached to
your vehicle in the following places:
*
[CS55300(ALL)03/96]
q
on the metal tag attached to the top of the
instrument panel on the driver's side Ð you
can see the tag by looking through the
windshield from outside your vehicle.
*
[CS55400(ALL)03/96]
one inch art:0010558-A
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number)
%*
[CS55500(ALL)03/96]
q
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
Ðthis label is attached to the left front door
lock facing or the door latch post pillar. It is
required by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration and is made of special
material. If someone tampers with it, it will
be destroyed and/or a destruction pattern
will appear.
*
[CS55600(ALL)01/96]
The label contains the name of the manufacturer,
the month and year of manufacture, the
certification statement and the Vehicle
Identification Number. The label also contains
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle
Weight Ratings, wheel and tire data and
information codes for additional vehicle data.
For further information about the Safety
Compliance Certification Label and the
information contained on it, refer to the Index.
File:12cpcsa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:39 1996