1996 FORD WINDSTAR engine overheat

Warning Lights and Gauges
79
[LG07401(ALL)11/93]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the NORMAL
band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the
pointer to fluctuate within the normal band under normal
driving conditions. Under certain driving conditions such as
heavy stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot weather, the
pointer may indicate at the top of the NORMAL band. This is
also acceptable.
*
[LG07501(ALL)05/95]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the
NORMAL band, the engine coolant is overheating and
continued operation may cause engine damage.
*
[LG07601(ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG07701(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
*
[LG07801(ALL)03/95]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[LG07901(ALL)05/95]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[LG08001(ALL)11/93]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine in this Owner
Guide. Seeengine coolantin the index. If you do not follow
these instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG08025(ALL)01/95]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced.
%*
[LG08400(ALL)01/95]
Speedometer
*
[LG08500(ALL)01/95]
The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per
hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[LG08600(ALL)01/95]
Odometer
*
[LG08700(ALL)01/93]
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has been
driven.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

94indicate at the top of the NORMAL band. This is also
acceptable.
[LG11700(ALL)04/95]
If, under any circumstances, the bars move above the NORMAL
band, the temperature symbol will flash and a chime will sound
to alert the driver that the engine coolant is overheating and
continued operation may cause engine damage.
*
[LG11800(ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG11900(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
*
[LG12000(ALL)03/95]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[LG12100(ALL)05/95]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[LG12200(ALL)11/93]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine in this Owner
Guide. Seeengine coolantin the index. If you do not follow
these instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG12300(ALL)01/95]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced.
[LG12400(ALL)06/94]
If the temperature gauge displays only the top two and bottom
two bars, the temperature indication system is indicating that it
requires servicing. Take the vehicle to a dealership for service as
soon as possible.
%*
[LG12600(ALL)01/95]
Fuel Gauge
[LG12700(ALL)03/94]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel you have
in the fuel tank. The number of bars illuminated in the display
indicates fuel level. Your ignition must be in the ON position to
read the fuel gauge. Read the fuel level at the top bar that is lit.
When only one bar on the gauge is lit, the fuel pump symbol
on the gauge will flash to warn you of a low fuel level
condition.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Instrument Panel Controls
115
[IP02252(ALL)06/94]3.
Turn the Fan Speed Knob to the position of your choice.
[IP02262(ALL)10/93]4.
Make sure that the registers in the instrument panel are open
and adjusted to the positions of your choice.
[IP02272(ALL)06/94]
During periods of high humidity, vapor may be emitted from
the air outlets when using the A/C with outside air. Correct
this by switching the Function Control Knob to MAX A/C.
*
[IP02282(ALL)06/94]
Improving fuel economy
[IP02292(ALL)06/94]
Whenever you turn on the air conditioning, your vehicle uses
more fuel because the air conditioning compressor is running.
To get better fuel economy while cooling your vehicle, do not
use the air conditioner on mild days. Instead, set the function
control knob toQ(PANEL) and turn the temperature control
knob to COOL.
*
[IP02302(ALL)04/95]
Operating tips
[IP02307(ALL)08/94]
To vary the temperature inside your vehicle, move the
Temperature Control Knob toward WARM (red) for warmer
temperatures and toward COOL (blue) for cooler temperatures.
The Temperature Control Knob setting determines the
temperature of the air being discharged from the system in all
operating modes (heating or A/C).
[IP02312(ALL)08/94]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the automatic transaxle gearshift selector lever in Park (P)
or in Neutral (N). This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. (If the engine overheats, turn the
Function Selector Knob toQ(PANEL) and turn the
Temperature Control Knob to WARM.)
*
[IP02316(ALL)10/93]
When your vehicle's engine is operated at full throttle, the air
conditioner compressor will automatically be turned off to allow
maximum engine power. This may occur during passing or
when climbing steep grades. The compressor will return to
normal operation within a few seconds after full throttle is no
longer needed.
File:wnips.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:23:17 1996

248
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/93]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly to help dry
the brakes.
*
[DR11600(ALL)01/93]
Rocking the Vehicle
*
[DR11700(ALL)01/93]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out. Shift in a steady rhythm between forward and
reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator.
If you are still stuck after a few minutes of rocking, call for a
tow truck.
[DR11750(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control,
make sure the system has been turned off before
attempting to rock the vehicle.
[DR11775(ALL)04/95]
SeeTraction Control Off Lightin theLights and Gaugessection of
this guide for more information.
*
[DR11800(ALL)01/93]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may
overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
%*
[DR11900(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR12000(ALL)01/93]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[DR12100(ALL)01/93]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
259
[DR21600(ALL)10/93]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, turn the selector
knob to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner
compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time.
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/93]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[DR21800(ALL)11/93]1.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR21900(ALL)11/93]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[DR22000(ALL)11/93]3.
With the chocks in place, release the foot service brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[DR22100(ALL)11/93]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the service brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while applying the parking
brake lever with your right hand.
*
[DR22200(ALL)11/93]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 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

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).
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996