1996 FORD WINDSTAR Owners Manual

Servicing Your Windstar
321
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[SV19100(ALL)02/95]
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is running or
hot. If you must remove the radiator cap, follow these steps to
avoid personal injury that can be caused by escaping steam or
engine coolant.
*
[SV19300(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off and let it cool before removing the
radiator cap. You should exercise care when removing the
cap, even from a cooled engine.
*
[SV19400(ALL)03/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[SV19500(ALL)02/95]3.
Step back while the pressure is released.
*
[SV19600(ALL)04/95]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to press, turn, and remove cap.
[SV19700(ALL)02/95]5.
Stand away from the radiator opening while removing the
cap. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may
splash out.
%*
[SV19800(ALL)01/93]
Freezing Protection
*
[SV19900(ALL)01/93]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium Cooling System
Fluid and water will protect your vehicle tos35ÊF (s37ÊC).
Check the freeze protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
% [SV20000(ALL)02/95]
Add engine coolant only to the engine coolant recovery
reservoir Ð not to the radiator. If the coolant level is low, add
to the engine coolant recovery reservoir a 50/50 mixture of
water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. If the
coolant recovery reservoir is empty, you should also check the
radiator to see if it is low. Check the coolant level again the
next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[SV20100(ALL)02/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula
that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford
engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant
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322additives in your gasoline powered vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system. Follow the recommended
service interval for changing your engine coolant.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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).
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Servicing Your Windstar
323
*
[SV20800(ALL)01/93]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's
coolant system can hold, seeRefill Capacitieslater in this chapter.
[SV20900(ALL)02/95]
You may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you
should replace it with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant as
soon as possible.
*
[SV21000(ALL)02/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add engine coolant more than once a month, or
you have to add more than a quart (liter) at a time.
%*
[SV21100(ALL)11/94]
Checking hoses
*
[SV21200(ALL)01/93]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine
coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
%*
[SV21300(ALL)05/95]
Engine coolant drain and flush
[SV21400(ALL)11/93]
To drain and flush your engine coolant, youMUSTsee your
Ford dealer or refer to the procedure in the service manual.
Failing to do so could result in engine damage.
%*
[SV21505(ALL)05/95]
Battery
*
[SV21510(ALL)02/95]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of
the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
*
[SV21515(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
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324
*
[SV21520(ALL)06/95]
Battery Replacement
*
[SV21525(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it may, in some cases, be replaced by a
Motorcraft low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance
battery has removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte
level and for adding water, if needed.
*
[SV21530(ALL)02/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least every 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC).
Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do
not overfill the battery cell.
*
[SV21535(ALL)05/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do not use hard
water (water with a high mineral or alkali content). If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled water. If
the battery needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
%*
[SV21540(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV21545(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
*
[SV21550(ALL)02/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0040201-A
Battery recycling symbol
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Servicing Your Windstar
325
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[SV21555(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
%*
[SV21560(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[SV21562(ALL)05/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[SV21570(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[SV21580(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers
%*
[SV21600(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV21700(ALL)02/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
front, passenger side of the engine compartment. This reservoir
contains the fluid for both the windshield and liftgate washers.
*
[SV21900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
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326
[SV22000(ALL)12/93]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050050-B
Windshield washer fill location
%*
[SV22100(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol
should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below32ÊF
[0ÊC]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze,
methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
[SV22200(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
Washer solution contains methanol which is poisonous.
[SV22250(ALL)04/95]
When adding windshield washer solution, be sure to observe all
warnings indicated on the washer solution container.
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Servicing Your Windstar
327
%*
[SV22300(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
[SV22400(ALL)02/95]
Check the windshield wipers at least twice a year. Also check
them whenever they seem less effective than usual. Such
substances as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wipers.
*
[SV22500(ALL)01/93]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
[SV22550(ALL)04/95]
Your wipers have a service feature that allows you to pull the
wiper arms and blades away from the windshield and into an
upright position. This service position allows you easy access to
the blades from either side of your vehicle.
*
[SV22600(ALL)04/95]
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
*
[SV22700(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the wiper blades
*
[SV22800(ALL)01/95]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When
replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent.
*
[SV22900(ALL)10/93]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[SV23000(ALL)04/95]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and lock into
the service position.
[SV23100(ALL)04/95]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Squeeze the
lock tabs of the plastic clip together to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield to remove
it from the arm.
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328
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/94]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
%*
[SV23400(ALL)03/95]
Tires
[SV23500(ALL)02/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
[SV23600(ALL)02/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures. See
Checking the pressure of the tireslater in this chapter.
*
[SV23700(ALL)01/93]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
*
[SV23800(ALL)02/95]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[SV23900(ALL)10/89]
n
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24000(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
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