towing FORD AEROSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual

4
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[II04300(ALL)05/96]
Ford ESP is an optional service contract, backed
and administered by Ford. It provides:
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[II04400(ALL)05/96]
q
protection against repair costs after your
Bumper to Bumper Warranty expires;
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[II04500(ALL)05/96]
and
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[II04600(ALL)05/96]
q
other benefits during the warranty period
(such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage
for certain maintenance and wear items).
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[II04700(ALL)05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental.
(In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)
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[II04800(ALL)05/96]
When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive
peace-of-mind protection throughout the United
States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
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[II04850(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United
States and Canada are not eligible for
ESP coverage.
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[II04900(ALL)05/96]
This information is subject to change. Ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP
coverage.
File:02cpiia.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:22:57 1996

149 [SS30420(ALL)04/96]
To stow the built-in child seat:
[SS30430(ALL)01/96]
1. Return the child seat cushion to the upright
position and lift the protector flap toward
the headrest.
[SS30440(ALL)01/96]
2. Fasten the snaps securely.
[SS30450(ALL)01/96]
3. Pull on the headrest release strap and rotate
the headrest downward until it latches
against the child seat cushion.
[SS30460(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always fasten the protector flap snaps
when stowing your child seats to prevent
the child seat cushion from rotating
forward in a collision.
[SS30470(ALL)01/96]
The seat can now be used by an adult.
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[SS30480(ALL)01/96]
Inspection after a collision
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[SS30490(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
All built-in child restraints, including
seats, buckles, retractors, seat latches,
interlocks, and attaching hardware should
be inspected by a qualified dealer
technician after any collision.
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[SS30495(ALL)01/96]
If the child seat was in use during a collision,
Ford recommends replacing it. However, if the
collision was minor and a qualified technician
finds that the child restraints do not show
damage and continue to operate properly, they
do not need to be replaced. If there is any
bending of the vehicle seatback or seat structure,
it should also be replaced. Built-in child seats
not in use during a collision should also be
inspected and replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.
File:06cpssa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 13 08:56:07 1996

158
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[TO08500(ALL)01/96]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
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[TO08510(ALL)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
[TO08520(ALL)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start even after a small collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt. Refer to the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
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[TO08530(ALL)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle.
[TO08540(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095071-A
Fuel pump shut-off switch location
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[TO08550(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
File:08cptoa.ex
Update:Thu Jun 6 14:43:40 1996

180
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[GF28201(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
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[GF28750(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[GF29050(ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[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.)
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[GF29151(ALL)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
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[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

181 [GF29250(ALL)01/96]
Standard length vehicles adapted for trailer tow
may require relocation of the underbody spare
tire. It is recommended that you secure the tire
under the rear-most seat using the hold-down
hardware located with the jack.
[GF29301(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020268-A
Spare tire stowage (standard length model)
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[GF29350(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
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[GF29401(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
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[GF29450(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

183
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[GF29601(ALL)01/96]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
[GF29650(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0020148-G
Safety Compliance Certification Label
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[GF29950(ALL)01/96]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
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[GF30001(ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
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[GF30050(ALL)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
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[GF30101(ALL)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
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[GF30150(ALL)01/96]
q
Payload
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[GF30200(ALL)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
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[GF30250(ALL)01/96]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
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Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

186
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[GF31110(ALL)03/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure,
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
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[GF31120(ALL)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[GF31130(ALL)01/96]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
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[GF31140(ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
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[GF31150(ALL)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the
maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting
the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight
of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
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[GF31160(ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
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[GF31170(ALL)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum
weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting
the weight of the loaded towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) from
the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
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[GF31180(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
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[GF31190(ALL)01/96]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by
weight, which the trailer must fall within,
ranging from zero to the maximum trailer
weight rating.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

187 %
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[GF31301(ALL)01/96]
Calculating The Load
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[GF31350(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
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[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)
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[GF31450(ALL)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[GF31501(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
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[GF31550(ALL)01/96]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle (without cargo).
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[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.
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[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

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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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
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[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