1996 FORD WINDSTAR check engine

Starting Your Windstar
59
*
[ST07030(ALL)04/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter or
flood the engine.
*
[ST07060(ALL)02/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds.Keep
your foot on the brake pedaland release the parking brake.
Put the gearshift lever in gear, slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST07090(ALL)02/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
*
[ST07200(ALL)03/95]
If the engine still does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST07300(ALL)03/95]1.
Turn the key to the OFF position and wait about two
minutes.
*
[ST07400(ALL)04/95]2.
Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
[ST07500(ALL)02/95]3.
Turn the key to the START position.
[ST07600(ALL)02/95]4.
Release the key when the engine starts.
[ST07700(ALL)02/95]5.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST07800(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
[ST07900(ALL)02/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle rpm. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idling rpm normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly
faster than when the engine is at its normal warm engine idle
speed. It should, however, slow down when the vehicle warms
up. If it does not, have the idle rpm checked.
File:wnsts.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996

62
*
[ST10600(ALL)02/95]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
*
[ST10700(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[ST10800(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST10900(ALL)02/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
*
[ST11000(ALL)02/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ST11100(ALL)02/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no fuel,
you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST11200(ALL)02/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
%*
[ST11300(ALL)02/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
[ST11400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes.
*
[ST11500(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Never let your vehicle idle in an enclosed area, and do
not sit in a parked vehicle, (with the engine running) for
more than a short period of time. Exhaust fumes,
particularly carbon monoxide, might build up. These
fumes are harmful and could kill you.
*
[ST11600(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
File:wnsts.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996

Starting Your Windstar
63
*
[ST11700(ALL)02/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
*
[ST11800(ALL)02/95]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST11900(ALL)02/95]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST12000(ALL)02/95]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
[ST12100(ALL)02/95]
If the exhaust system has any indications of leaks it should be
repaired immediately.
*
[ST12200(ALL)02/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
[ST12300(ALL)02/95]
If the engine idles while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch. Also,
adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in outside air.
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996

68
%*
[LG00475(ALL)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
[LG00501(ALL)06/94]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the Mechanical
Cluster. All of these indicators alert you to the status of vehicle
systems or possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the
lights listed are optional. The following section explains each of
the indicators.
[LG00600(ALL)12/93]
Warning and Indicator Lights
%*
[LG00900(ALL)03/95]
Brake System Light
[LG01000(ALL)11/93]
The warning light for the brakes indicates two things Ð that
either the parking brake is on or not fully released, or that the
brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the
fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[LG01100(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050144-B
The brake system light
[LG01200(ALL)12/93]
The BRAKE light normally comes on when you turn the
ignition key to the ON or START position to verify that the
indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on or comes on
when the engine is running and after you have released the
parking brake fully, have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG01300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

70
[LG02021(ALL)02/95]
n
If the driver fastens the safety belt before the ignition is
turned to ON, the chime will not sound and the light will
not illuminate.
[LG02050(ALL)02/95]
n
If the safety belt is buckled while the light is on and the
chime is sounding, both the light and the chime turn off.
[LG02100(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050148-B
The safety belt warning light
%*
[LG02200(ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
*
[LG02301(ALL)05/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists
of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the
operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain control system
during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the
Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.
[LG02400(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050065-B
The check engine warning light
*
[LG02410(ALL)05/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect
operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar
alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running
wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
71
*
[LG02420(ALL)05/95]
The light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to
ON, but it should turn off when the engine starts. If the light
does not come on when you turn the ignition toONor if it
comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem
with one of the vehicle's emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG02430(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while
you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is
misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the
first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed
in.
*
[LG02440(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are
driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition
corrected itself.
*
[LG02460(ALL)05/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an
engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the
Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was
misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After
refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after
the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles
without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists
of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient
temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
*
[LG02470(ALL)05/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not
necessary to have the engine serviced.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

72
*
[LG02500(ALL)05/95]
Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Check
Engine Warning Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel
cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is
safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the
cap, making sure it is properly seated.
*
[LG02600(ALL)05/95]
After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on
the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth
engine re-start, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a
qualified technician.
%*
[LG02700(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
[LG02801(ALL)11/93]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged. The
light comes on briefly during the display self-test every time
you turn your ignition key to the ON position. The light will go
off when the key is turned to the START position. The light
should stay off when the self-test is done if the engine is
running and the alternator is charging.
*
[LG03100(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
[LG03150(ALL)02/94]
6 pica art:0050149-B
The charging system light
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
73
% [LG03200(ALL)02/95]
Oil Pressure Light
[LG03275(ALL)08/94]
6 pica art:0050150-B
The oil pressure light
[LG03300(ALL)01/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light should come on every time your ignition key
is turned to ON or START, and should go out when the engine
starts. If the light stays on or turns on while the engine is
running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will
cause severe engine damage.
*
[LG03500(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG03600(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG03700(ALL)11/94]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
[LG03900(ALL)06/94]3.
Check the engine's oil level. (See ªChecking and Adding
Engine Oilº in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter of this
Owner Guide.) If you do not follow these instructions, you
or others could be injured. To ensure an accurate reading,
your vehicle should be on level ground.
[LG03950(ALL)10/93]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate
the engine if the light is on regardless of the oil level.
Contact your nearest dealer for further service.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996