1996 FORD WINDSTAR check engine

94indicate at the top of the NORMAL band. This is also
acceptable.
[LG11700(ALL)04/95]
If, under any circumstances, the bars move above the NORMAL
band, the temperature symbol will flash and a chime will sound
to alert the driver that the engine coolant is overheating and
continued operation may cause engine damage.
*
[LG11800(ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG11900(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
*
[LG12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[LG12100(ALL)05/95]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[LG12200(ALL)11/93]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine in this Owner
Guide. Seeengine coolantin the index. If you do not follow
these instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG12300(ALL)01/95]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced.
[LG12400(ALL)06/94]
If the temperature gauge displays only the top two and bottom
two bars, the temperature indication system is indicating that it
requires servicing. Take the vehicle to a dealership for service as
soon as possible.
%*
[LG12600(ALL)01/95]
Fuel Gauge
[LG12700(ALL)03/94]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel you have
in the fuel tank. The number of bars illuminated in the display
indicates fuel level. Your ignition must be in the ON position to
read the fuel gauge. Read the fuel level at the top bar that is lit.
When only one bar on the gauge is lit, the fuel pump symbol
on the gauge will flash to warn you of a low fuel level
condition.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

236
% [DR01600(ALL)09/93]
Brake-Shift Interlock Safety Feature
[DR01700(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle has a special brake-shift interlock safety feature
which prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the
brake pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
[DR01750(ALL)02/96]
When parking on a hill, set the parking brake before shifting
into and out of P (Park). If the parking brake is not set, a clunk
or bang may be heard when shifting out of P (Park). This noise
can be considered a normal characteristic.
*
[DR01800(ALL)04/95]
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*
[DR01900(ALL)01/93]1.
Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*
[DR02000(ALL)01/93]2.
Apply the parking brake.
*
[DR02100(ALL)01/93]3.
Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clockwise to the first
position (OFF).
*
[DR02200(ALL)04/95]4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[DR02280(ALL)05/95]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledServicing Your Windstarin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
*
[DR02300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*
[DR02500(ALL)06/92]
Backing Up
*
[DR02600(ALL)01/93]
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

240
%*
[DR05700(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
*
[DR05800(ALL)01/93]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
*
[DR05900(ALL)01/93]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
%*
[DR06000(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR06100(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
%*
[DR06200(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR06300(ALL)01/93]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
*
[DR06400(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
[DR06500(ALL)11/93]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[DR06525(ALL)04/95]
Rear Disc Brakes (If equipped)
[DR06550(ALL)04/95]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[DR06575(ALL)04/95]
The rear disc parking brakes need to be adjusted manually.
*
[DR06600(ALL)10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR06700(ALL)01/93]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

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

262
*
[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

266
[RE03000(ALL)02/95]2.
Let the dead battery charge for a few minutes and then start
the vehicle that has the dead battery. If the starter does not
crank, check for good, solid jumper cable clamp attachments.
It may take a couple of tries before your vehicle starts. If
your vehicle does not start after several attempts, you may
have a different mechanical problem.
*
[RE03100(ALL)03/95]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the dead battery.
% [RE03200(ALL)02/95]
Take the jumper cables off in the following order:
[RE03300(ALL)02/95]1.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface in the engine compartment of the vehicle
that needed a jump-start.
*
[RE03400(ALL)03/95]2.
Remove the other end of the negative (s) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE03500(ALL)03/95]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
*
[RE03600(ALL)03/95]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
vehicle that needed a jump-start.
% [RE03700(ALL)02/95]
After your vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions and drive it around for a
little while with all electrical accessories turned off, to let the
battery recharge.You may need to use a battery charger to
fully recharge the battery.
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996

280
%*
[RE10800(ALL)01/93]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
[RE10900(ALL)05/94]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been actuated.
The shut-off switch is a device that automatically stops the flow
of fuel to the engine when your vehicle has been involved in a
collision. The impact does not have to be great for the switch to
be actuated. In many instances, you might not even know that
the switch has been actuated.
*
[RE11000(ALL)01/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996

301
Servicing Your Windstar
*
[SV01300(ALL)03/95]
How Ford Makes Servicing Your Vehicle
Easy
*
[SV01400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV01500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[SV01600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[SV01700(ALL)01/93]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[SV01800(ALL)01/95]
n
When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
[SV01900(ALL)03/94]
n
We give you aMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle easy.
*
[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[SV02100(ALL)03/94]
If you need professional servicing, see the chapter onCustomer
Assistancein this Owner Guide.
[SV02200(ALL)02/95]
Check yourWarranty InformationBooklet to find out which parts
are covered.
%*
[SV02300(ALL)03/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[SV02400(ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
*
[SV02500(ALL)03/95]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts.
*
[SV02600(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996