1996 FORD WINDSTAR check engine light

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

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

318
[SV16400(ALL)02/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0050073-D
Engine oil dipstick
*
[SV16500(ALL)02/95]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil
level is beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
*
[SV16600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[SV16700(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[SV16800(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[SV16900(ALL)01/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV17200(ALL)04/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
additional information.
% [SV18200(ALL)12/93]
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.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
319
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[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV18320(ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[SV18400(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV18500(ALL)02/95]
Checking the engine coolant
[SV18600(ALL)11/93]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant
reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant
should stay slightly above the ªFULL COLDº mark.
*
[SV18700(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18920(ALL)05/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

352
%*
[SV39500(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if:
*
[SV39600(ALL)01/95]
n
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your
vehicle's high beams when you do not have the high beams
on
*
[SV39700(ALL)01/95]
n
the headlamps do not seem to give you enough light to see
clearly at night
*
[SV39800(ALL)01/93]
n
the headlamp beams are not pointed slightly down and to
the right
%*
[SV39900(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the Headlamp Bulb
*
[SV40000(ALL)01/93]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs. When the
lamp burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole
lamp.
*
[SV40100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out
of children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic
base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand
could cause the bulb to break the next time the
headlamps are operated.
*
[SV40200(ALL)01/93]
Do not remove the burned out bulb unless you can immediately
replace it with a new one. If a bulb is removed for an extended
period of time, contaminants may enter the headlamp and affect
its performance.
*
[SV40300(ALL)03/95]
To remove the headlamp bulb:
*
[SV40400(ALL)01/93]1.
Make sure that the engine is off and the headlamp switch on
the instrument panel is in the OFF position.
[SV40500(ALL)11/93]2.
Lift the hood and locate the headlamp bulb installed in the
rear of the headlamp. Remove the electrical connector from
the bulb by pulling the connector away from the bulb
assembly.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

360
*
[SV43925(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
*
[SV43950(ALL)03/95]
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet are required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
*
[SV44000(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke and loss of oil
pressure. Also watch for the charge warning light, the check
engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emission system is not working properly.
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/93]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases
vehicles, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in
Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control
device is removed or is prevented from working.
%*
[SV44225(ALL)05/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service of the emission
control devices or systems in your new Ford Motor Company
vehicle or engine may be performed at your expense by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive
parts equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

386
Electronic sound system (continued)
radio reception................... 232
tuning the radio..............197, 209, 226
warranty and service information........... 234
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system).......... 225
Emergencies, roadside
assistance..................... 283
battery acid spills................261, 325
jump-starting.................... 261
towing....................... 281
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 244
Emission control system
catalytic converter.................. 359
emissions warranty................. 360
Engine
check engine warning light............ 70,86
does not start..................... 61
fuel injected engine, starting.............. 57
fuel pump shut-off switch............... 61
preparing to start................... 57
service points.................... 305
starting....................... 55
starting after a collision............... 280
storing your vehicle................. 367
Engine block heater................... 60
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 319
checking hoses................... 323
preparing for storage................ 368
proper solution...............321±322, 337
specifications.................... 365
Engine coolant temperature gauge, description..... 78,93
Engine knocking................... 311
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter.............. 318
checking and adding................ 317
dipstick...................... 317
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:12:49 1996

391
Index
Lamps (continued)
illuminated mirrors................. 191
interior lamps.................... 125
map lamps..................... 127
trailer....................... 256
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal)......... 129
Lap belts........................ 17
Liftgate........................ 158
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag...................... 74,85
anti-lock brakes (ABS)............... 69,88
anti-theft...................... 104
brake...................... 68,84
charging system.................. 72,85
check engine................... 70,86
door ajar..................... 74,90
hazard warning light................. 93
high beam.................... 75,90
low fuel....................... 76
low washer fluid................. 76,91
oil pressure.................... 73,89
safety belt.................... 69,83
speed control...................91,142
theft system.................... 104
traction control system................ 102
turn signal indicator................ 75,92
Load limits, trailer towing............... 254
Lubricant specifications................. 365
Luggage rack..................... 193
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 273
tightening sequence................. 278
Lumbar support pad.................. 170
M
Maintenance (see servicing)............... 301
Map pockets..................... 185
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:12:49 1996