1996 FORD WINDSTAR tow

Driving Your Windstar
239
[DR04600(ALL)05/95]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you can not
rotate it in a clockwise direction without pulling it toward you.
*
[DR04700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR04800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR04900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR05000(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
[DR05100(ALL)05/95]
To gain extra acceleration in
j(Overdrive) (when passing
another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle
will automatically downshift to the appropriate gear (third,
second or first).
% [DR05200(ALL)04/95]
Traction Control (If equipped)
[DR05300(ALL)04/95]
Traction Control can help improve your traction on slippery
surfaces, but always operate your vehicle within reasonable
limits. Abrupt changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause your vehicle to
behave differently than anticipated, especially when road
conditions vary.
[DR05400(ALL)04/95]
To turn Traction Control off, press the button located in the
glove compartment while the vehicle is stopped.
[DR05500(ALL)05/95]
Traction Control can be turned back on by pressing the button
again while the vehicle is stopped or by restarting the engine.
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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
*
[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
*
[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.
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Driving Your Windstar
249
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[DR12200(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.
*
[DR12300(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[DR12400(ALL)06/94]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kgs)
or 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kgs) with Trailer Tow Package provided the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the GVWR shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
%*
[DR12500(ALL)04/95]
Towing a Trailer
*
[DR12600(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[DR13100(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
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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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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.
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Driving Your Windstar
255
*
[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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256
*
[DR19400(ALL)04/94]
Safety chains
*
[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
*
[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.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

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