FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual

191 [GF33400(ALL)05/96]
thirty-six pica chart:0095089-B
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

192 [GF33500(ALL)01/96]
twelve pica chart:0020157-D
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Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

193
*
[GF33645(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmissions
[GF33650(ALL)05/96]
thirty-two pica chart:0095069-B*
[GF36500(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF36550(ALL)05/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
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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

195 %
*
[GF38000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF38100(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF38200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF38300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF38400(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
*
[GF38425(ALL)01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
*
[GF38450(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF38500(ALL)01/96]
Driving while you tow
*
[GF38520(ALL)05/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

196 %
*
[GF38540(ALL)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF38600(ALL)05/96]
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 thanj(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.
*
[GF38800(ALL)03/96]
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 the 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position.
[GF38925(ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF38950(ALL)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
*
[GF39000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF39100(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF39200(ALL)01/96]
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.
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.
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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

199
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[ER00105(ALL)03/96]
Hazard Flasher
*
[ER00110(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers
to hazardous situations.
*
[ER00115(ALL)01/96]
The flashers will continue to flash with the brake
pedal depressed.
*
[ER00120(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work whether your vehicle is
running or not. The flashers work for up to two
hours when the battery is fully charged and in
good condition without draining the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than
two hours or if the battery is not fully charged,
the battery power can be drained.
*
[ER00125(ALL)01/96]
To use the hazard flasher:
*
[ER00130(ALL)01/96]
1. Push in the flasher button; it will pop out
and the lamps will begin to flash.
*
[ER00135(ALL)01/96]
2. To stop the flashers, push in the flasher
button again.
*
[ER00140(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The flasher button will be sticking up
slightly higher when on than when off.
[ER00150(ALL)05/96]
quarter page art:0095077-A
Hazard flasher
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996

200
*
[ER00200(ALL)05/96]
If the Engine Cranks But Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
*
[ER00250(ALL)05/96]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[ER00260(ALL)05/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you
have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off
switch may have been triggered. The shut-off
switch is a device that stops the fuel pump
when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[ER00275(ALL)05/96]
For information on how to check and reset the
fuel pump shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off
switchin the Index.
%
*
[ER00400(ALL)05/96]
Fuses
*
[ER00410(ALL)01/96]
Fuses and circuit breakers protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical
parts in your vehicle are not working, the
system may have been overloaded and blown a
fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Before you
replace or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate fuses or circuit breakers.
*
[ER00415(ALL)01/96]
The following charts tell you which fuses or
circuit breakers protect each electrical part of
your vehicle. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker
opens a circuit, all the parts of your vehicle that
use that circuit will not work.
File:10cpera.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:45:00 1996