1996 FORD WINDSTAR brakes

Driving Your Windstar
241
*
[DR06800(ALL)01/93]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
*
[DR06900(ALL)01/94]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
%*
[DR07000(ALL)12/93]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
*
[DR07100(ALL)12/93]
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
4 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
system performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
[DR07150(ALL)12/93]
6 pica art:0050147-B
The anti-lock brake system light
*
[DR07200(ALL)12/93]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

242
*
[DR07300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
*
[DR07320(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
*
[DR07350(ALL)12/93]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
%*
[DR07400(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[DR07500(ALL)01/93]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[DR07600(ALL)01/93]
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 very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
243
*
[DR07700(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[DR07800(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR07900(ALL)01/93]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
%*
[DR08000(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR08100(ALL)11/93]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR08200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
This will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and
may also cause brake damage.
*
[DR08300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
245
*
[DR08700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park
(P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is
running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
*
[DR08900(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
*
[DR09000(ALL)02/94]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[DR09100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR09200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR09300(ALL)01/93]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use greater care until
you become accustomed to its features and driving
characteristics.
*
[DR09400(ALL)01/93]
Always operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Abrupt
changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of
these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated, especially when road conditions vary.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

246
*
[DR09500(ALL)07/93]
For example, even with anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can
make it difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique. Push on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to brake, yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel.
*
[DR09600(ALL)01/93]
If you release the accelerator abruptly or brake hard while
going too fast around a severe curve, your vehicle may change
its direction of travel. Avoid applying the brakes, if possible. If
you must apply the brakes, use the ªsqueezeº technique
described earlier.
*
[DR09700(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
[DR09800(ALL)05/95]
Extreme acceleration can cause the front wheels to spin,
resulting in reduced steering control. If the wheels spin during
vehicle start-up, shift to 2 (Second) gear. Move forward slowly
and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[DR09900(ALL)01/93]
Driving at High Speeds
*
[DR10000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[DR10020(ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[DR10100(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
247
%*
[DR10200(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR10300(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
[DR10400(ALL)02/95]
n
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads.
*
[DR10500(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR10600(ALL)01/93]
n
Drive more slowly than you would normally.
[DR10650(ALL)02/95]
n
Do not use speed control.
*
[DR10700(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR10800(ALL)01/93]
n
Use the ªsqueezeº technique for braking as described in
previous braking sections.
*
[DR10900(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR11000(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
*
[DR11100(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces.
%*
[DR11200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR11300(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR11400(ALL)01/93]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

248
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/93]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly to help dry
the brakes.
*
[DR11600(ALL)01/93]
Rocking the Vehicle
*
[DR11700(ALL)01/93]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out. Shift in a steady rhythm between forward and
reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator.
If you are still stuck after a few minutes of rocking, call for a
tow truck.
[DR11750(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control,
make sure the system has been turned off before
attempting to rock the vehicle.
[DR11775(ALL)04/95]
SeeTraction Control Off Lightin theLights and Gaugessection of
this guide for more information.
*
[DR11800(ALL)01/93]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may
overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
%*
[DR11900(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR12000(ALL)01/93]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[DR12100(ALL)01/93]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
249
*
[DR12200(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR12300(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[DR12400(ALL)06/94]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kgs)
or 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kgs) with Trailer Tow Package provided the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the GVWR shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
%*
[DR12500(ALL)04/95]
Towing a Trailer
*
[DR12600(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, 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.
*
[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[DR13100(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996