1996 FORD WINDSTAR ESP

Driving Your Windstar
257
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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

Customer Assistance
291
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[HS08400(ALL)05/95]
Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper conversion
may damage the effectiveness of your emissions control system
and may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford
Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is
caused by use of improper fuel.
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[HS08500(ALL)01/93]
You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle back into
the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.
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[HS08600(ALL)01/93]
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or
living in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the
Middle East, contact the nearest Ford dealership. If the
dealership cannot help you, contact:
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[HS08700(ALL)04/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0040273-C
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[HS08800(ALL)05/95]
If you are in other foreign countries, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, they can direct
you to the appropriate Ford affiliate office.
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[HS08900(ALL)05/95]
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate
outside of the U.S. or Canada, register your Vehicle
Identification Number and new address with Ford Motor
Company Export Operations.
File:wnhss.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:17:31 1996

Accessories
297
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[AC02000(ALL)05/94]
NOTE: Mobile communication systems, particularly if not
properly installed, may adversely affect the operation
of the vehicle. For example, such systems, when
operated, may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In
addition, such systems may themselves be damaged,
or their operation affected, by the operation of the
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door
openers, and other transmitters whose power output is
5 watts or less, ordinarily will not affect vehicle
operation.)
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[AC02100(ALL)04/94]
NOTE: Because Ford has no control over the operation or
manufacture of such systems or their installation, Ford
cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or
damage if this equipment is used.
File:wnacs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:17:13 1996

301
Servicing Your Windstar
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[SV01300(ALL)03/95]
How Ford Makes Servicing Your Vehicle
Easy
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[SV01400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[SV01500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[SV01600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[SV01700(ALL)01/93]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[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.
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[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
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[SV02400(ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
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[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.
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[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
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[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.
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[SV16600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
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[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.
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[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.
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[SV16900(ALL)01/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
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[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

322additives in your gasoline powered vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system. Follow the recommended
service interval for changing your engine coolant.
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[SV20200(ALL)11/93]
NOTE: When adding to or changing your engine coolant, it is
important to maintain a coolant concentration between
40% (s11ÊF [s24ÊC]) and 60% (s62ÊF [s52ÊC])
depending on your local climate conditions. When
coolant concentration falls below 40%, you will lose
freeze protection; above 60%, your engine may
overheat on a warm day. If coolant concentration is
outside this range, you may lose corrosion and rust
protection for the metals in your engine cooling
system.
[SV20300(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does not meet all
14 requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
The use of a coolant that does not meet the 14
requirements may void your warranty for the engine
cooling system. Use only a premium, nationally
recognized brand name engine coolant.
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[SV20400(ALL)02/94]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the Ford Rotunda
engine coolant recycling process and chemicals. Use only Ford
Rotunda recycled engine coolant or an equivalent non-Ford
Rotunda recycled engine coolant that is certified by the supplier
to meet Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[SV20500(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.
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[SV20700(ALL)01/93]
Leave the coolant in all year. Make sure that the coolant will
not freeze at the temperature level in which you usually drive
during winter months. Keep an engine coolant in your engine
that has a protection rating of at leasts20ÊF (s29ÊC).
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
333
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[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
[SV28100(ALL)12/93]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning) traction.
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[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
[SV28400(ALL)12/93]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stadard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
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[SV28700(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
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[SV28800(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
337
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[SV32300(ALL)01/95]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[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.
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[SV33200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996