1996 FORD WINDSTAR checking oil

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

Warning Lights and Gauges
89
% [LG11001(ALL)02/95]
Oil Pressure Light
[LG11005(ALL)06/94]
6 pica art:0050150-B
The oil pressure light
[LG11010(ALL)11/93]
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 will come on briefly during the display
self-test every time you turn your 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 with normal oil pressure. If the light comes on while
the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued
operation will cause severe engine damage.
*
[LG11020(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG11030(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG11040(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.
[LG11050(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.
[LG11060(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

316
[SV14300(ALL)02/95]
n
Keep the tires properly inflated. To find out the
recommended tire pressure, seeChecking the pressure of the
tireslater in this chapter.
[SV14400(ALL)02/95]
n
Use your air conditioning system wisely. To find out about
fuel economy and air conditioning, seeClimate control systems
in the Index.
[SV14500(ALL)02/95]
In addition to your individual driving habits, optional
equipment, such as air conditioning, can have a significant effect
on fuel economy. Various aftermarket add-on items that increase
aerodynamic drag can also reduce fuel economy.
%*
[SV14600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV14750(ALL)04/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
*
[SV14800(ALL)03/95]
Use only engine oils displaying the American Petroleum
Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the container:
*
[SV14850(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
317
*
[SV15000(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV15100(ALL)01/95]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV15200(ALL)04/95]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV15300(ALL)01/95]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
%*
[SV15400(ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity arePREFERREDfor
your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel
economy and engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV15550(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil
filter must still be changed according to the maintenance
schedule.
%*
[SV15600(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV15700(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[SV15800(ALL)03/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV15900(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV16000(ALL)03/95]2.
Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
*
[SV16100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
[SV16200(ALL)08/94]4.
Locate the dipstick labelled ªEngine Oilº and carefully pull it
out of the engine.
*
[SV16300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
319
*
[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV18320(ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[SV18400(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV18500(ALL)02/95]
Checking the engine coolant
[SV18600(ALL)11/93]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant
reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant
should stay slightly above the ªFULL COLDº mark.
*
[SV18700(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18920(ALL)05/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

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

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

392
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 314
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview mirror.......144, 190
heated....................... 190
rearview...................... 188
vanity mirror, illuminated.............. 191
Motorcraft parts.................... 364
O
Octane rating..................... 310
Odometer
description.................... 79,96
trip odometer..................... 80
Oil (see Engine oil).................. 316
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system.......... 361
Order forms, service information............ 198
Overdrive...................... 237
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system........ 152
Parking brake
operation...................... 244
warning light................... 68,84
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)............... 364
PCV valve, specifications................ 364
Power door locks................... 146
Power features
door locks..................... 146
lumbar support................... 170
mirrors....................... 189
seats........................ 169
windows...................... 160
Power steering
dipstick...................... 339
driving with power steering............. 240
fluid, checking and adding.............. 339
fluid, specifications................. 365
servicing...................... 240
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:12:49 1996