suspension FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual

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

168
%*
[GF04000(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF04150(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
[GF10000(ALL)03/96]Automatic Transmission
Operation (4R44E/5R55E)
[GF10050(ALL)06/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, it will be either a four speed
overdrive transmission (4R44E) or a five speed
overdrive transmission (5R55E). All 3.0L engines
use the 4R44E transmission, while all 4.0L
engines use the 5R55E transmission. Both
transmission types have a lockup torque
converter. Transmission operation is controlled
by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

180
*
[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(ALL)03/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF29001(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF29025(ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF29050(ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(ALL)05/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29151(ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(ALL)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

185 %
*
[GF30801(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF30850(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[GF30901(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[GF30950(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[GF31001(ALL)01/96]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
*
[GF31050(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF31101(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

260 [MC31625(ALL)01/96]q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(0.8 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions.
*
[MC31650(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC31750(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[MC31800(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC31900(ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
*
[MC31950(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%
*
[MC35000(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC35100(ALL)01/96]
quarter page art:0020347-C
Fuel filler door
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996