1996 FORD WINDSTAR service

234
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[AS36900(ALL)02/95]
Some FM radio stations advertise a ªrounded-offº frequency
which is not the frequency they actually broadcast on. For
example, a radio station that is assigned a frequency of 98.7
MHz may call itself ªRadio 99º even though 99.0 MHz is not an
allowable FM broadcast frequency.
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[AS37000(ALL)01/95]
Important Warranty and Service Information
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[AS37050(ALL)07/90]
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Warranty
[AS37100(ALL)10/94]
Your sound system is warranted for three years/36,000 miles
(60,000 km). Consult your vehicle warranty booklet for further
information.
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[AS37150(ALL)07/90]
n
Service
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[AS37200(ALL)01/95]
At Ford Electronics, we stand behind our audio systems with a
comprehensive service and repair program. If anything should
go wrong with your Ford audio system, return to your dealer
for service. There is a nationwide network of qualified Ford
authorized repair centers to assist you.
File:wnass.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:19:39 1996

240
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[DR05700(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[DR05800(ALL)01/93]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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[DR05900(ALL)01/93]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
%*
[DR06000(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
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[DR06100(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
%*
[DR06200(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
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[DR06300(ALL)01/93]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
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[DR06400(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
[DR06500(ALL)11/93]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[DR06525(ALL)04/95]
Rear Disc Brakes (If equipped)
[DR06550(ALL)04/95]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[DR06575(ALL)04/95]
The rear disc parking brakes need to be adjusted manually.
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[DR06600(ALL)10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[DR06700(ALL)01/93]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

242
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[DR07300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
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[DR07320(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
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[DR07350(ALL)12/93]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the check ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
%*
[DR07400(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
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[DR07500(ALL)01/93]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[DR07600(ALL)01/93]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
245
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[DR08700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park
(P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is
running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
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[DR08900(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
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[DR09000(ALL)02/94]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[DR09100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR09200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[DR09300(ALL)01/93]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use greater care until
you become accustomed to its features and driving
characteristics.
*
[DR09400(ALL)01/93]
Always operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Abrupt
changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of
these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated, especially when road conditions vary.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

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.
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[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.
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[DR12500(ALL)04/95]
Towing a Trailer
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[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.
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[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
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Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
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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.
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[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
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[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
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[DR13100(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

250
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[DR13700(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle Loading Information
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[DR13800(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
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[DR13900(ALL)01/93]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
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[DR14200(ALL)01/93]
NOTE: The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and
rear GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The
GAWR of the front and rear axles exceed the GVWR
when added together.
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[DR14500(ALL)01/93]
Understanding Loading Information
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[DR14600(ALL)01/93]
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
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[DR14700(ALL)01/93]
n
Base Curb Weight
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[DR14800(ALL)01/93]
n
Payload
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[DR14900(ALL)01/93]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
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[DR15000(ALL)01/93]
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GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
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[DR15100(ALL)01/93]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
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[DR15200(ALL)06/92]
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[DR15300(ALL)01/93]
Base Curb Weight
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[DR15400(ALL)04/95]
The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel,
coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by
factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[DR16900(ALL)05/93]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
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[DR17000(ALL)01/93]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

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.
*
[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