1997 Ford Aerostar Owner's Manual - Page 89

Opening the liftgate Make certain that you close the liftgate door and window before driving your vehicle. If you do not, possible damage may occur to the liftgate door lift cylinders and attaching hardware. RWARNING Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are closed to prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This will also prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with the liftgate door or window open, keep the vents open so outside air comes into the vehicle. Liftgate closing procedure 1. To make the liftgate swing downward, reach up and pull the lower edge of the liftgate (or the loop handle on the inner trim panel of vehicles with this option) and pull downward. When you have pulled down the liftgate enough so that you can reach the license plate light shield, push the shield down and forward to close the latch and liftgate. At this point, the latch is not locked. 2. 86