1996 FORD WINDSTAR trailer

Driving Your Windstar
257
*
[DR20200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
%*
[DR20300(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR20400(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[DR20500(ALL)01/93]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[DR20600(ALL)01/93]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
*
[DR20700(ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
[DR20800(ALL)09/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedule and Record Booklet.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

258
*
[DR20900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR21100(ALL)01/93]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR21200(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/93]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR21400(ALL)01/93]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[DR21500(ALL)02/94]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
259
[DR21600(ALL)10/93]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, turn the selector
knob to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner
compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time.
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/93]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[DR21800(ALL)11/93]1.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR21900(ALL)11/93]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[DR22000(ALL)11/93]3.
With the chocks in place, release the foot service brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[DR22100(ALL)11/93]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the service brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while applying the parking
brake lever with your right hand.
*
[DR22200(ALL)11/93]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Roadside Emergencies
267
%*
[RE03800(ALL)01/93]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[RE03900(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
% [RE04000(ALL)02/95]
Using the Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/94]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[RE04200(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE04300(ALL)02/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[RE04500(ALL)02/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/93]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/93]
n
tow a trailer
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/93]
n
use tire chains
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/93]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996

296
[AC01200(ALL)12/93]
Audio Equipment
[AC01300(ALL)12/93]
CD Changer
*
[AC01400(ALL)01/93]
Safety Equipment
*
[AC01500(ALL)11/93]
Vehicle Security Systems
*
[AC01600(ALL)01/93]
Travel Equipment
[AC01700(ALL)05/95]
Soft Luggage Carrier
Aero Hood Deflector
Factory Luggage Rack & Adaptors
Trailer Hitch (Class II)
Console
*
[AC01800(ALL)03/94]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment, passengers, and
luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total
weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear
axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer
for specific weight information.
*
[AC01900(ALL)04/94]
NOTE: Devices that emit radio frequency (RF) energy such as
AM/FM radios, mobile communication systems
(two-way radios, telephones) and radio controlled
security systems, are subject to the rules and
regulations of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) 47 CFR Parts 2 and 15. Any such
system installed in your vehicle should comply with
those rules and should be installed only by a
qualified technician. In addition, to insure continued
compliance with the FCC's requirements, RF devices
must not be modified or changed in a manner not
expressly approved by Ford Motor Company.
File:wnacs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:17:13 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
335
*
[SV29600(ALL)01/93]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV29700(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29800(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29900(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[SV31300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[SV31400(ALL)08/94]
Under normal circumstances, you need to change the fluid at
30,000 miles (48,000 km) for normal operating conditions or
21,000 miles (34,000 km) for severe duty. However, if the
transaxle is not working properly (for example, slipping or
shifting slowly), or you notice some sign of fluid leakage, the
fluid level should be checked.
*
[SV31500(ALL)01/93]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

383
Index
Brakes (continued)
noise........................ 242
parking...................... 244
stopping distances.................. 243
trailer....................... 256
when storing your vehicle.............. 368
Brake-shift interlock.................. 236
Break-in period..................... 4
Built-in child seat
cleaning....................... 37
operation....................... 27
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps..................... 352
specifications.................... 358
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 292
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 292
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 363
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 62
Cargo net....................... 192
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 39
Cassette tape player
(see Electronic sound system)......213, 225, 228
Catalytic converter................... 359
CD player (see Electronic sound system)......... 201
Chains, tires...................... 333
Changing a tire.................... 267
Charging system warning light............ 72,85
Childproof locks.................... 144
Child safety restraints.................. 25
built-in child seat................... 27
child safety belts................... 38
child safety seats................... 39
Child safety seats
and air bags................... 20,39
attaching with tether straps.............. 50
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:12:49 1996

385
Index
Controls (continued)
steering column................... 129
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
drain and flush................... 323
preparing for storage................ 368
proper solution................... 321
refill capacities................... 363
specifications..................320, 365
temperature gauge................ 78,93
Cruise control (see Speed control)............ 137
Cupholder(s)..................... 187
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.)......... 284
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)............ 105
Daytime running light system............. 122
Defrost
rear window.................... 117
windshield..................... 106
Dispute Settlement Board................ 286
Doors........................ 143
door ajar warning light.............. 74,90
lubricant specifications................ 365
Driving under special conditions
bad weather.................... 247
heavy load..................... 248
high speed..................... 246
high water..................... 247
slippery roads................... 247
towing a trailer................... 249
E
Electrical system
operating when the engine is off............ 55
relays....................... 350
Electronic sound system
atenna....................... 128
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:12:49 1996