1996 FORD WINDSTAR brake light

Driving Your Windstar
241
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[DR06800(ALL)01/93]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
245
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[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

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
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[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
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[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

256
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[DR19400(ALL)04/94]
Safety chains
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[DR19500(ALL)01/93]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[DR19600(ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
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[DR19700(ALL)01/93]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[DR19800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR19900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR20000(ALL)01/93]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR20100(ALL)01/93]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
File:wndrs.ex
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.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

262
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[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
[RE01500(ALL)02/95]
To prepare your vehicle for jump-starting:
[RE01600(ALL)02/95]1.
Use only a 12-volt battery to jump-start your vehicle. Your
vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to use a
12-volt jumper system. You can damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if you connect
them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt batteries
in series or a 24-volt motor generator set).
*
[RE01700(ALL)03/95]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the vehicle that needs a
jump-start. You could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[RE01800(ALL)03/95]3.
Park the second vehicle close to the hood of your vehicle,
but make sure the vehicles do not touch each other. Set the
parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the engine
cooling fan.
*
[RE01900(ALL)03/95]4.
Check the battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[RE02000(ALL)01/93]5.
Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
337
%*
[SV32300(ALL)01/95]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV32400(ALL)04/95]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick. Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
*
[SV32500(ALL)05/95]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (0.25 liter) increments through the filler
tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[SV32600(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
*
[SV32700(ALL)06/94]
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONHor equivalent
MERCONHautomatic transaxle fluid when you refill
your automatic transaxle fluid.
%*
[SV32800(ALL)02/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV32900(ALL)05/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[SV33000(ALL)01/93]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
*
[SV33100(ALL)10/89]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
*
[SV33200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996