User manual FORD AEROSTAR-1996

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introductory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Safety Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Starting Your Aerostar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Warning Lights and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] This can damage the power steering pump. 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. Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD) (If equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the E-4WD option, power is provided to all four wheels whenever you press the accelerator pedal. It improves both handling and traction during difficult driving conditions, adjusting automatically to your driving needs. Because the entire E-4WD system is controlled by a microprocessor, your vehicle is not equipped with the switch or shift lever used with most traditional 4WD vehicles. The microprocessor does all the adjusting for you. 191 How the Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD) System Works Under normal driving conditions, when the road is firm, dry and level, the engine power is distributed one-third to the front axle and two-thirds to the rear axle. However, if a wheel begins to slip, the microprocessor will sense this condition and signal the system to transmit more power to the axle with more traction. (You may feel a momentary surge of power. ) NOTE: The microprocessor is disabled when the brakes are applied or when the transmission selector is in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) positions. Driving Your Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD) Vehicle Since your E-4WD vehicle is unique, follow these steps to be safe: u Avoid unnecessary turns or other maneuvers that could cause loss of control and possible injury. as originally provided for your vehicle and inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended air pressure. u Use the same size and type of tire and wheel u Become familiar with your vehicle's operating characteristics and study this Owner Guide for specific operating instructions. Be sure all occupants wear the safety belts provided. Drive cautiously, defensively, and at speeds safe for current road conditions. 192 u Do not let the added driving traction of E-4WD lead you to believe that you can stop any quicker than a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle. The added traction performance does not improve the braking ability of the E-4WD vehicle. Allow the same amount of distance when braking as with a two-wheel drive vehicle. RWARNING Your E-4WD Aerostar is a passenger vehicle designed for on-road use; it is not intended for any off-road use. RWARNING On-vehicle wheel balancing will cause damage to the drivetrain of E-4WD Aerostars. Brakes Front Disc Brakes The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require service other than periodic inspection for pad wear. Rear Drum Brakes The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes are applied while "backing up. " If normal operation does not include much backing, adjust the brakes when they seem "low, " using the procedure under If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is "Low" in this chapter. 193 Hydraulic Power Brakes 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. The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir. RWARNING An increase in pedal travel will result in reduced braking capability. The brake system should be checked immediately. Rear Anti-lock Brakes Your vehicle is equipped with a rear Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). [. . . ] untwisting or unjamming the safety belt . automatic locking mode (retractor) built-in child seat . quick release rear captain's chair . . 252 278 21 15 20 20 23 22 11 32 34 11 13 22 11 22 13, . [. . . ]