brake fluid FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual

9
%*
[IS03000(ALL)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[IS03100(ALL)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
%*
[IS03200(ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[IS03300(ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[IS03400(ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or illuminates after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[IS03500(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
[IS03600(ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0095034-A
Brake warning light symbol
File:03cpisa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:23:36 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

170
*
[GF10400(ALL)05/96]
Power Braking
*
[GF10410(ALL)05/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF10450(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
*
[GF10500(ALL)05/96]
Automatic Overdrive
Transmission
%*
[GF10750(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF10800(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift is on the steering
column. The transmission control switch is
located on the end of the gearshift lever. You
can put the gearshift in any one of several
positions.
[GF10900(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095027-A
The positions of the column-mounted gearshift
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

236
*
[MC07200(ALL)05/96]
one third page art:0060618-C
Oil change intervals
*
[MC07300(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
additional information.
%
*
[MC08000(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC08025(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level
indicator in the master cylinder which lights the
BRAKE warning light on the instrument panel
when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC08050(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
*
[MC08075(ALL)01/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You
can do this by looking at the fluid level in the
plastic brake fluid reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
*
[MC08090(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

237
*
[MC08100(ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC08125(ALL)03/96]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC08150(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted
surfaces, it must be flushed and wiped
away immediately. Brake fluid may
dissolve the paint finish on your
vehicle.
*
[MC08175(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[MC08200(ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC08225(ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[MC08250(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

238 [MC08300(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0095017-ABrake master cylinder reservoir
%*
[MC08500(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
*
[MC08520(ALL)02/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
the windshield washer fluid is located in the
engine compartment.
*
[MC08530(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
[MC08540(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020358-A
Windshield washer reservoir
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

247
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC10120(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC10130(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC10140(ALL)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the gearshift lever through all
of the gear ranges allowing sufficiant time for
each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set
the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC10150(ALL)01/96]
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).
[MC10160(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC10170(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

336 Index
Autolamp system (see Headlamps)..... 72
Automatic transmission
fluid, adding............. 248
fluid, checking............ 247
fluid, refill capacities......... 294
fluid, specification........... 296
Axle
lubricant specifications......... 296
refill capacities............ 294
traction lok............177, 254
B
Basic vehicle warranty........... 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies.....223, 250
charging system warning light...... 13
disconnecting............. 226
how to service............ 249
jumping a disabled battery....... 222
maintenance-free........... 249
proper disposal, recycling....... 250
replacement, specifications....... 293
servicing............... 249
voltage gauge............ 13,15
when storing your vehicle....... 285
Brake fluid
brake warning light........... 9
checking and adding......... 236
description.............. 236
specifications...........237, 296
Brakelamp, high-mount brakelamp..... 72
Brakes
adjustment.............. 163
anti-lock............... 163
applying the brakes.......... 166
brake warning light........... 9
fluid, checking and adding....... 236
fluid, refill capacities.......236, 294
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 337
Brakes (continued)
fluid, specifications........237, 296
front disc.............. 163
if brakes do not grip well.....164, 166
master cylinder............ 236
new brake linings............ 5
noise..............163, 165
parking............... 166
power braking............ 163
rear anti-lock............. 164
servicing.............164, 236
stopping distances.......... 165
trailer................ 195
when storing your vehicle....... 285
Brake-shift interlock.........155, 171
Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams)........... 14
Built-in child seat
cleaning............... 283
operation.............. 141
Bulbs, replacing
halogen............... 272
headlamps.............. 272
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 310
Canada, warranty information....... 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 311
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 294
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 160
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats) 130
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system).............. 35,49
Catalytic converter........... 269
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . 29
Chains, tires.............. 259
Changing a tire............. 209
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996

Index 347
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
engine oil pressure........... 16
hazard warning light........ 78,199
high beam............... 14
oil pressure.............. 16
safety belt............... 11
service engine soon........... 12
turn signal indicator.......... 75
Load limits
GAWR................ 179
GVWR................ 179
trailer towing............. 181
Lubricant specifications......... 296
Lug nuts
standard............... 219
tightening sequence........216, 221
Lumbar support, seats.......... 106
Lumbar support pad.......... 106
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet).......... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 229
Manual transmission
fluid capacities............ 294
lubricant specifications........ 296
Master cylinder, brakes......... 236
Methanol in fuel............ 265
Mileage, calculating fuel economy.... 268
Mirrors
dual electric remote control....... 91
rearview................ 91
side view mirrors............ 91
side view mirrors (power)........ 91
Motorcraft parts............. 293
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996