Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1986 Ford Aerostar V6-183 3.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Repair and Diagnosis
- A L L Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC )
- Relays and Modules
- Relays and Modules - Body and Frame
- Relays and Modules - Cruise Control
- Relays and Modules - Engine
- Relays and Modules - HVAC
- Relays and Modules - Instrument Panel
- Relays and Modules - Lighting and Horns
- Relays and Modules - Power and Ground Distribution
- Relays and Modules - Powertrain Management
- Relays and Modules - Starting and Charging
- Relays and Modules - Windows and Glass
- Relays and Modules - Wiper and Washer Systems
- Sensors and Switches
- Sensors and Switches - Accessories and Optional Equipment
- Sensors and Switches - Body and Frame
- Sensors and Switches - Brakes and Traction Control
- Sensors and Switches - Cooling System
- Sensors and Switches - Cruise Control
- Sensors and Switches - Engine
- Sensors and Switches - HVAC
- Sensors and Switches - Instrument Panel
- Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns
- Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management
- Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems
- Air Flow Meter/Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Switch
- Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch (For Computer)
- EGR Valve Position Sensor
- Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake )
- Knock Sensor
- Manifold Pressure/Vacuum Sensor
- Oxygen Sensor
- Power Steering Pressure Switch
- Pressure Feedback Exhaust Sensor
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Sensors and Switches - Emission Control Systems
- Sensors and Switches - Fuel Delivery and Air Induction
- Sensors and Switches - Ignition System
- Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems
- Sensors and Switches - Starting and Charging
- Sensors and Switches - Steering and Suspension
- Sensors and Switches - Transmission and Drivetrain
- Sensors and Switches - Windows and Glass
- Sensors and Switches - Wiper and Washer Systems
- Maintenance
- Alignment
- Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks
- Drive Belt
- Filters
- Hoses
- Fluids
- Brake Bleeding
- Fuses and Circuit Breakers
- Service Reminder Indicators
- Wheels and Tires
- Service Intervals
- Severe Service Defined
- Routine Service
- Normal Service
- 7500 MI or 12000 KM
- 15000 MI or 24000 KM
- 22500 MI or 36000 KM
- 30000 MI or 48000 KM
- 37500 MI or 60000 KM
- 45000 MI or 72000 KM
- 52500 MI or 84000 KM
- 60000 MI or 96000 KM
- 67500 MI or 108000 KM
- 75000 MI or 120000 KM
- 82500 MI or 132000 KM
- 90000 MI or 144000 KM
- 97500 MI or 156000 KM
- 105000 MI or 168000 KM
- 112500 MI or 180000 KM
- 120000 MI or 192000 KM
- Severe Service
- 3000 MI or 4800 KM
- 6000 MI or 9600 KM
- 9000 MI or 14400 KM
- 12000 MI or 19200 KM
- 15000 MI or 24000 KM
- 18000 MI or 28800 KM
- 21000 MI or 33600 KM
- 24000 MI or 38400 KM
- 27000 MI or 43200 KM
- 30000 MI or 48000 KM
- 33000 MI or 52800 KM
- 36000 MI or 57600 KM
- 39000 MI or 62400 KM
- 42000 MI or 67200 KM
- 45000 MI or 72000 KM
- 48000 MI or 76800 KM
- 51000 MI or 81600 KM
- 54000 MI or 86400 KM
- 57000 MI or 91200 KM
- 60000 MI or 96000 KM
- 63000 MI or 100800 KM
- 66000 MI or 105600 KM
- 69000 MI or 110400 KM
- 72000 MI or 115200 KM
- 75000 MI or 120000 KM
- 78000 MI or 124800 KM
- 81000 MI or 129600 KM
- 84000 MI or 134400 KM
- 87000 MI or 139200 KM
- 90000 MI or 144000 KM
- 93000 MI or 148800 KM
- 96000 MI or 153600 KM
- 99000 MI or 158400 KM
- 102000 MI or 163200 KM
- 105000 MI or 168000 KM
- 108000 MI or 172800 KM
- 111000 MI or 177600 KM
- 114000 MI or 182400 KM
- 117000 MI or 187200 KM
- 120000 MI or 192000 KM
Service and Repair
Technical Service Bulletins
- Engine, Cooling and Exhaust
- Engine
- Camshaft, Lifters and Push Rods
- Cylinder Block Assembly
- Cylinder Head Assembly
- Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories
- Engine Lubrication
- Intake Manifold
- Lamps and Indicators - Engine
- Relays and Modules - Engine
- Seals and Gaskets
- Sensors and Switches - Engine
- Timing Components
- Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks
- Water Pump
- Application and ID
Service and Repair
Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
- Cooling System
- Thermostat Bypass Hose
- Coolant
- Coolant Level Indicator Lamp
- Coolant Line/Hose
- Radiator Cooling Fan
- Engine - Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch
- Heater Control Valve
- Heater Core
- Heater Hose
- Lamps and Indicators - Cooling System
- Radiator Cap
- Sensors and Switches - Cooling System
- Temperature Gauge
- Temperature Warning Lamp/Indicator
- Thermostat
- Water Pump
Service Precautions
Description and Operation
Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
- Exhaust System
- Engine
- Powertrain Management
- Relays and Modules - Powertrain Management
- Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management
- Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems
- Air Flow Meter/Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Switch
- Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch (For Computer)
- EGR Valve Position Sensor
- Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake )
- Knock Sensor
- Manifold Pressure/Vacuum Sensor
- Oxygen Sensor
- Power Steering Pressure Switch
- Pressure Feedback Exhaust Sensor
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Sensors and Switches - Emission Control Systems
- Sensors and Switches - Fuel Delivery and Air Induction
- Sensors and Switches - Ignition System
- Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems
- Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks
- Computers and Control Systems
- Air Flow Meter/Sensor
- Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake )
- Barometric Pressure Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Switch
- Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch (For Computer)
- Data Link Connector
- EGR Backpressure Transducer
- EGR Valve Position Sensor
- Engine Control Module
- Idle Speed/Throttle Actuator - Electronic
- Idle Speed/Throttle Actuator - Mechanical
- Knock Sensor
- Main Relay (Computer/Fuel System)
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp
- Manifold Pressure/Vacuum Sensor
- Oxygen Sensor
- Power Steering Pressure Switch
- Pressure Feedback Exhaust Sensor
- Relays and Modules - Computers and Control Systems
- Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems
- Air Flow Meter/Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Sensor
- Barometric Pressure Switch
- Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch (For Computer)
- EGR Valve Position Sensor
- Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake )
- Knock Sensor
- Manifold Pressure/Vacuum Sensor
- Oxygen Sensor
- Power Steering Pressure Switch
- Pressure Feedback Exhaust Sensor
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Vehicle Speed Sensor
Service Precautions
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
- Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
- Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Quick Test Appendix (Detailed Testing Instructions)
- Quick Tests
- Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
- Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
- Testing Notes
- Symptom Cross Reference Chart
- Diagnostic Routines
- 201 - Cranks Normally But Won't Start
- 202 - Starts Normally But Won't Run (Stalls)
- 203 - Cranks Normally But Slow to Start
- 205 - Misses Under Load
- 207 - Hesitates or Stalls On Acceleration
- 208 - Backfire (Induction or Exhaust)
- 209 - Lack of Power
- 210 - Surge At Steady Speed
- 211 - Engine Diesels (or Idles Too Fast)
- 212 - Engine Noise
- 213 - Poor Fuel Economy
- 214 - High Oil Consumption
- 215 - Spark Knock/Pinging
- 216 - Engine Vibrates At Normal Speeds
- 217 - Engine Runs Cold
- 218 - Engine Runs Hot
- 219 - Exhaust Smoke
- 220 - Gas Smell
- Symptom Charts
- Pinpoint Tests
- A - No Start Test
- B - Vehicle Battery
- C - Reference Voltage
- DB - Air Charge Temperature Sensor (ACT)
- DD - EGR Valve Position Sensor (EVP) Control/Vent (EGRC/EGRV)
- DE - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
- DF - Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)/Barometric Pressure (BP)
- DG - Knock Sensor
- DH - Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
- DL - Pressure Feedback EGR (PFE) & EGR Valve Regulator (EVR)
- FA - Neutral Drive Switch A/C Input
- FD - Brake On/Off (BOO) Switch
- FF - Power Steering Pressure Switch (PSPS)
- HE - Fuel Control
- HG - EFI Fuel Control
- J - Fuel Pump Circuit
- KA - EGR On/Off Control
- KC - Air Management System
- KD - Canister Purge (CANP) Solenoid
- KE - Idle Speed Control
- KF - Idle Speed Control-DC Motor/Idle Tracking Switch Assembly
- KK - Temperature Compensated Pump
- KR - Converter Clutch Override (CCO)
- M - Dynamic Response Test
- N - Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM)
- Q - No Codes/Codes Not Listed
- Y - Erratic Ignition
Locations
Service and Repair
Technical Service Bulletins
Tools and Equipment
- Emission Control Systems
- Air Injection
- Catalytic Converter
- Early Fuel Evaporation ( EFE )
- Emissions Maintenance Light
- Evaporative Emissions System
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation
- EGR Backpressure Transducer
- EGR Control Solenoid
- EGR Electronic Vacuum Regulator Solenoid
- EGR Filter
- EGR Valve
- EGR Valve Position Sensor
- EGR Wide Open Throttle Valve
- Exhaust Pressure Regulator Vacuum Valve
- Pressure Feedback Exhaust Sensor
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
Technical Service Bulletins
- Positive Crankcase Ventilation
- Sensors and Switches - Emission Control Systems
- Vacuum Restrictor
- Application and ID
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
Locations
Service and Repair
Diagrams
Technical Service Bulletins
- Fuel Delivery and Air Induction
- Fuel Pressure
- Fuel Pressure Release
- Idle Speed
- Air/Fuel Mixture
- Air Flow Meter/Sensor
- Carburetor
- Fuel
- Fuel Filter
- Fuel Flow Sensor
- Fuel Injector
- Fuel Line Coupler
- Fuel Pressure Regulator
- Fuel Pressure Test Port
- Fuel Pump
- Fuel Rail
- Fuel Return Line
- Fuel Supply Line
- Fuel Tank
- Idle Speed/Throttle Actuator - Electronic
- Idle Speed/Throttle Actuator - Mechanical
- Idle/Altitude Compensator (Non Comp. Controlled)
- Inertia Fuel Shutoff Switch
- Intake Air Heater
- Main Relay (Computer/Fuel System)
- Relays and Modules - Fuel Delivery and Air Induction
- Sensors and Switches - Fuel Delivery and Air Induction
- Throttle Body
- Throttle Position Sensor
Service Precautions
- Application and ID
Description and Operation
Technical Service Bulletins
- Ignition System
- Firing Order
- Ignition Timing
- Ignition Ballast Resistor
- Distributor
- Hall Effect Sensor
- Ignition Cable
- Ignition Coil
- Ignition Control Module
- Ignition Timing Connector
- Knock Sensor
- Pick-Up Coil
- Relays and Modules - Ignition System
- Sensors and Switches - Ignition System
- Spark Plug
- Vacuum Restrictor
Service Precautions
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
- Flow of Diagnosis
- Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
- Component Tests and General Diagnostics
- Intermittent Diagnostic Procedures
- Primary Circuit Tests
- Test 1, Ignition Coil Secondary Voltage (Crank Mode)
- Test 2, Ignition Coil Secondary Voltage (Run Mode)
- Test 3, Wiring Harness
- Test 4 & 5, Stator
- Test 6, TFI Module
- Test 7, Ignition Coil Primary Resistance
- Test 8, Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance
- Test 9, EEC-IV -- TFI-IV
- Test 10, Ignition Coil Supply Voltage
- Test 11, Wiring Harness
- Secondary Circuit Tests
Locations
Diagrams
Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
Tools and Equipment
- Transmission Control Systems
- Application and ID
Diagrams
Technical Service Bulletins
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Actuators and Solenoids - Transmission and Drivetrain
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- Actuators and Solenoids - A/T
- Band
- Band Apply Servo
- Case
- Clutch
- Extension Housing
- Fluid - A/T
- Fluid Line/Hose
- Fluid Pan
- Fluid Pump
- Governor
- Overdrive Assembly
- Seals and Gaskets
- Shift Solenoid
- Shifter A/T
- Shift Linkage
- Shift Modulator
- Throttle Valve Cable/Linkage
- Torque Converter
- Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
- Transmission Cooler
- Vacuum Diaphragm
- Valve Body
Service and Repair
Diagrams
Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
- Clutch
- Differential Assembly
- Differential Carrier
- Differential Case
- Differential Cover
- Differential Axle Housing
- Fluid - Differential
- Pinion Bearing
- Pinion Gear
- Ring Gear
Service and Repair
- Dana/Spicer Rear Drive Axles
- Ford Drive Axle W/ Removable Carrier, Rear
- Ford Integral Carrier, Clutch Type Trac-LOC, Rear
- Ford Integral Carrier, Dana Powr-LOK, Rear
- Ford Integral Carrier, Dana Trac-LOK, Rear
- Ford Integral Carrier, Ford Trac-LOC, Rear
- Ford Integral Carrier, Rear Axle
- Ford Removable Carrier
Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
- Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints
- Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints
- Flywheel
- Manual Transmission/Transaxle
- Sensors and Switches - Transmission and Drivetrain
- Transfer Case
- Transmission Control Systems
Technical Service Bulletins
Tools and Equipment
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Starting and Charging
- Sensors and Switches - Starting and Charging
- Relays and Modules - Starting and Charging
- Battery
- Charging System
- Alternator
- Voltage Regulator
Testing and Inspection
- Pinpoint Tests
- B: Series With Internal Voltage Regulator (IVR)
- B1 - Preliminary Checks
- B2 - Base Voltage and No Load Test
- B3 - Load Test
- B4 - Batt Drain With Key Off
- B5 - Under Voltage Test
- B6 - A Terminal Voltage Check
- B7 - F Terminal Voltage Check With Key Off
- B8 - F Terminal Voltage Check With Key On
- B9 - I Circuit Tests
- B10 - Jumpered Load Test
- B11 - Load Repeat (F Terminal)
- B12 - Over Voltage Test
- B13 - Regulator Ground Check
- B14 - Eng Ground Check
- B15 - Alternator Ground Check
- B16 - Repeat No Load Test
- B17 - A and F Voltage Checks
- Charge Lamp System Test
- B: Series With Internal Voltage Regulator (IVR)
- Component Tests and General Diagnostics
- Pinpoint Tests
Diagrams
- Starting System
- Power and Ground Distribution
Technical Service Bulletins
- Power and Ground Distribution
- Steering and Suspension
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Accumulator HVAC
- Air Door
- Air Duct
- Blower Motor
- Blower Motor Resistor
- Blower Motor Switch
- Compressor HVAC
- Condenser HVAC
- Control Assembly
- Coupler HVAC
- Evaporator Core
- Expansion Block/Orifice Tube
- Heater Control Valve
- Heater Core
- Heater Hose
- Hose/Line HVAC
- Housing Assembly HVAC
- Receiver Dryer
- Refrigerant
- Refrigerant Filter
- Refrigerant Oil
- Refrigerant Pressure Sensor / Switch
- Relays and Modules - HVAC
- Sensors and Switches - HVAC
- System Relay
- Vacuum Harness HVAC
- Vacuum Reservoir HVAC
Service Precautions
Service and Repair
Diagrams
Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
- Restraints and Safety Systems
- Accessories and Optional Equipment
- Body and Frame
- Bumper
- Cowl
- Doors, Hood and Trunk
- Fender
- Frame
- Grille
- Interior Moulding / Trim
- Locks
- Mirrors
- Paint, Striping and Decals
- Relays and Modules - Body and Frame
- Seats
- Sensors and Switches - Body and Frame
- Unibody
- Weatherstrip
Technical Service Bulletins
- Cruise Control
- Brake Switch (Cruise Control)
- Clutch Switch
- Cruise Control Brush Assembly
- Cruise Control Module
- Cruise Control Servo
- Cruise Control Servo Cable
- Cruise Control Switch
- Cruise Control Vacuum Vent Solenoid
- Relays and Modules - Cruise Control
- Sensors and Switches - Cruise Control
- Vacuum Vent Valve
- Vehicle Speed Sensor/Transducer - Cruise Control
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
- Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
- Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
- Less Resume
- With Resume
- Speed Continuously Changes Up & Down
- Speed Control Does Not Disengage When Clutch Pedal Is Depressed
- Speed Control Is Inoperative
- Speed Control Operates But Doesn't Resume, Accel or Coast Down
- Speed Control Operation Is Intermittent
- Speed Control System Does Not Disengage When Brakes Are Applied
- Speed Gradually Increases or Decreases After Speed Is Set
- Speed Will Not Set In System
- Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Adjustments
Diagrams
Technical Service Bulletins
- Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators
- Ammeter Gauge
- Audible Warning Device
- Charge Lamp/Indicator
- Cigarette Lighter
- Clock
- Coolant Level Indicator Lamp
- Dashboard / Instrument Panel
- Dimmer Switch
- Driver/Vehicle Information Display
- Emissions Maintenance Light
- Fuel Gauge
- Fuel Gauge Sender
- Instrument Cluster / Carrier
- Maintenance Required Lamp/Indicator
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp
- Odometer
- Oil Level Warning Indicator
- Oil Level Warning Indicator Relay
- Oil Pressure Gauge
- Oil Pressure Sender
- Oil Pressure Warning Lamp/Indicator
- Parking Brake Warning Switch
- Relays and Modules - Instrument Panel
- Sensors and Switches - Instrument Panel
- Speedometer Cable
- Speedometer Head
- Speedometer Module
- Tachometer
- Temperature Gauge
- Temperature Sensor (Gauge)
- Temperature Warning Lamp/Indicator
- Volt Meter Gauge
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
Diagrams
Technical Service Bulletins
- Lighting and Horns
- Backup Lamp
- Brake Lamp
- Brake Light Switch
- Cargo Lamp
- Courtesy Lamp
- Dimmer Switch
- Dome Lamp
- Hazard Warning Lamps
- Headlamp
- Horn
- Marker Lamp
- Parking Lamp
- Relays and Modules - Lighting and Horns
- Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns
- Tail Lamp
- Trailer Lighting Module
- Turn Signals
- Application and ID
Diagrams
Technical Service Bulletins
- Windows and Glass
- Wiper and Washer Systems
- Relays and Modules - Wiper and Washer Systems
- Sensors and Switches - Wiper and Washer Systems
- Windshield Washer Motor
- Windshield Washer Pump
- Windshield Washer Relay
- Windshield Washer Switch
- Wiper Control Module
- Wiper Gear Box
- Wiper Motor
- Wiper Motor Timer
- Wiper Switch
Description and Operation
Testing and Inspection
Locations
Diagrams
Technical Service Bulletins
- Application and ID
Locations
Diagrams
- Diagram Information and Instructions
- Connector Views
- Electrical Diagrams
- Power and Ground Distribution
- Charging System
- Cruise Control
- Heated Glass Element
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators
- Lighting and Horns
- Mirrors
- Power Locks
- Power Window Circuit Breaker
- Power Window Motor
- Power Window Relay
- Power Window Switch
- Powertrain Management
- Radio/Stereo
- Seats
- Starting System
- Trailer Connector
- Trip Computer
- Wiper and Washer Systems
- Mechanical Diagrams
- Fluid Diagrams
- Vacuum and Vapor Hose Diagrams
- Connectors
- Grounds
- Splices
Specifications
- Electrical Specifications
- Mechanical Specifications
- Alignment
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- Brake Drum
- Brake Master Cylinder
- Brake Rotor/Disc
- Differential Assembly
- EFE Valve
- Engine
- Exhaust Manifold
- Firing Order
- Flywheel
- Fuel Injector
- Idle Speed
- Manual Transmission/Transaxle
- Radiator Cooling Fan Temperature Sensor / Switch
- Spark Plug
- Steering Gear
- Wheel Stud / Lug Nut
- Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature Specifications
- Capacity Specifications
- Fluid Type Specifications
Technical Service Bulletins
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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