1996 FORD WINDSTAR check engine

Servicing Your Windstar
335
*
[SV29600(ALL)01/93]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV29700(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29800(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29900(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
*
[SV31300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[SV31400(ALL)08/94]
Under normal circumstances, you need to change the fluid at
30,000 miles (48,000 km) for normal operating conditions or
21,000 miles (34,000 km) for severe duty. However, if the
transaxle is not working properly (for example, slipping or
shifting slowly), or you notice some sign of fluid leakage, the
fluid level should be checked.
*
[SV31500(ALL)01/93]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

336
%*
[SV31700(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV31800(ALL)01/93]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking
brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV32000(ALL)01/93]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
[SV32100(ALL)10/93]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
[SV32200(ALL)08/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0050021-A
The automatic transmission dipstick
[SV32250(ALL)11/93]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid
has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough fluid to bring the
level above the bottom hole. The fluid level should be
rechecked at normal operating temperature.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
339
*
[SV33900(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
%*
[SV34100(ALL)02/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV34200(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[SV34300(ALL)03/95]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
[SV34400(ALL)02/95]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will reach the right temperature after at least five
minutes of idling or at least one mile (1 km) of driving.
*
[SV34500(ALL)01/95]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[SV34600(ALL)03/93]3.
Then turn the engine off.
*
[SV34700(ALL)01/93]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
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

Servicing Your Windstar
361
*
[SV44235(ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement
parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or
for the service of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner's
responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV44250(ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you service your
vehicle. If the metal collector contacts any of your vehicle's
plastic trim or bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[SV44400(ALL)11/93]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[SV44450(ALL)05/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing
*
[SV44460(ALL)05/95]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies a ªneed for additional mixed city and highway driving
to complete the checkº of the OBD II system. As soon as all of
the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD
II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving
required to reach the ready condition varies with individual
driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below.
If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the
additional driving required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work.
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

388
Fuel (continued)
quality....................... 311
running out of fuel................. 314
storing your vehicle................. 367
treating emergencies................. 312
Fuel and distance computer
average economy.................. 100
engine/metric button................. 98
instant economy................... 99
reset button..................... 98
select button..................... 98
to empty indicator................. 100
trip distance..................... 99
Fuel cap, replacing.................. 309
Fuel filter, specifications................ 364
Fuel gauge..................... 77,94
Fuel pump shut-off switch................ 61
Fuse panels, engine compartment............ 348
Fuses, checking and replacing............. 342
G
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)..........310, 314
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge......... 78,93
fuel gauge.................... 77,94
odometer..................... 79,96
speedometer................... 79,95
tachometer...................... 97
trip odometer..................... 80
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 253
definition...................... 251
Gearshift
automatic operation................. 235
positions...................... 235
shifting the gears.................. 235
shift-lock...................... 236
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:12:49 1996