1996 FORD WINDSTAR weight

Driving Your Windstar
251
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[DR15500(ALL)01/93]
Payload
*
[DR15600(ALL)07/93]
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
*
[DR15700(ALL)01/93]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR15800(ALL)09/93]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[DR15900(ALL)12/93]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
%*
[DR16000(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[DR16100(ALL)06/94]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the
maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded
including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
%*
[DR16200(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR16300(ALL)01/93]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[DR16400(ALL)12/93]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

252
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[DR16500(ALL)01/93]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[DR16600(ALL)01/93]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
*
[DR16700(ALL)01/93]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR16800(ALL)01/93]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/93]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[DR17000(ALL)01/93]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
253
%*
[DR17100(ALL)07/93]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
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[DR17200(ALL)03/91]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[DR17300(ALL)11/93]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[DR17500(ALL)08/93]
Ð If you do not plan to pull a trailer, do not include these
ratings into your calculations.
*
[DR17600(ALL)11/93]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
*
[DR17700(ALL)11/93]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

254
*
[DR17800(ALL)11/93]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
*
[DR17810(ALL)04/94]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
%*
[DR18000(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing table
[DR18050(ALL)08/94]
eight pica
chart:0050061-C[DR18100(ALL)11/93]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive, have your vehicle
weighed at a highway weight station or another appropriate
commercial facility. Fill the fuel tank. Weigh the total vehicle
and trailer (if applicable), then separately weigh the vehicle at
the front and rear wheels. Finally, weigh the trailer separately if
applicable.
*
[DR18200(ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR18300(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[DR18400(ALL)07/93]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
255
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[DR18500(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.
*
[DR18600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR18800(ALL)05/93]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[DR18900(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/93]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/93]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[DR19300(ALL)01/93]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

258
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[DR20900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
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[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.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 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

328
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/94]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
%*
[SV23400(ALL)03/95]
Tires
[SV23500(ALL)02/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
[SV23600(ALL)02/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures. See
Checking the pressure of the tireslater in this chapter.
*
[SV23700(ALL)01/93]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
*
[SV23800(ALL)02/95]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[SV23900(ALL)10/89]
n
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24000(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996