1996 FORD WINDSTAR light

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[PI01800(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information............... 1
Safety Restraints................... 7
Starting Your Windstar................ 55
Warning Lights and Gauges.............. 65
Instrument Panel Controls.............. 105
Steering Column Controls.............. 129
Features...................... 143
Electronic Sound Systems.............. 195
Driving Your Windstar............... 235
Roadside Emergencies................ 261
Customer Assistance................ 283
Reporting Safety Defects............. 290
Accessories..................... 295
Servicing Your Windstar............... 301
Quick Index.................... 371
Index........................ 381
Service Station Information............. 396
File:wnpis.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:27:27 1996

Introductory Information
5
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[IN04800(ALL)12/93]
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Wheel lug nuts must be retightened to proper torque
specifications at 500 miles/800 km of new vehicle operation.
Proper torque specifications are provided in this guide. Also
retighten to proper torque specification at 500 miles/800 km
after any wheel change or any other time the wheel lug nuts
have been loosened.
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[IN04900(ALL)01/95]
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Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends.See
Engine oil recommendationsin the Index. Do not use special
ªbreak-inº oils.
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[IN05000(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control
Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out
mode to promote durability.
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[IN05001(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
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[IN05101(ALL)04/95]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
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[IN05201(ALL)04/95]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with
a mild detergent.
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[IN05301(ALL)04/95]
DO NOT:
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[IN05401(ALL)04/95]
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Wash your vehicle with hot water
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[IN05501(ALL)04/95]
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Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight
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[IN05600(ALL)04/95]
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Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
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[IN05700(ALL)05/95]
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint,
especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as
necessary to keep it clean.
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[IN05800(ALL)05/95]
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical
industrial fallout.
File:wnins.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:27:16 1996

Safety Restraints
21
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[SR09920(ALL)05/95]
THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING PASSENGER AIR
BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT
AGAINST THE VEHICLE SEATBACK, ARMRESTS OR
CONSOLE. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS
BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT.
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[SR10100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the
air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas
that may come in contact with a deploying air bag.
Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of
personal injury in the event of a collision.
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[SR10200(ALL)06/95]
For further information about the proper mounting of
equipment in the front seat of this vehicle, please refer to Ford's
brochure entitledSome Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint Systemwhich can be obtained by calling
Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356. Ask for brochure FPS-8602.
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[SR10300(ALL)06/95]
For additional important safety information on the proper use of
seat belts, child seats, and infant seats, please read the other
sections of this part of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitledSafety Belts for ChildrenandSafety Seats for Children.
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[SR10400(ALL)01/95]
How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
Operates
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[SR10500(ALL)06/95]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists of the
driver and passenger air bags, impact sensors, a system
diagnostic module, a readiness light and tone, and the electrical
wiring which connects the components.
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[SR10600(ALL)05/95]
The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel and is
indicated by the letters ªSRS.º The right front passenger seat air
bag is in the upper right-hand section of the instrument panel
ledge above the glove compartment. The letters ªSRSº appear
there. Both air bags are designed to stay out of sight until they
are activated.
File:wnsrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:27:08 1996

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[SR12800(ALL)05/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050088-A
Inflated passenger-side air bag
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[SR12900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT
FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED
IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
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[SR12910(ALL)05/95]
To ensure that the air bag system will operate as intended in a
crash, the system is equipped with a diagnostic module, which
controls a readiness lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical system,
the air bag readiness light, the air bag power, and the air bag
inflators.
File:wnsrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:27:08 1996

Safety Restraints
25
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[SR12920(ALL)05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light and a tone to indicate
the condition of the system. The readiness light is in the
instrument cluster. When you turn the ignition to the ON
position, this light will illuminate for approximately six (6)
seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally.NOTE:Maintenance of the air bag system is
not required.
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[SR12930(ALL)05/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
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[SR12940(ALL)05/95]
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the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SR12950(ALL)05/95]
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or it will not light immediately after ignition is turned on,
% [SR12960(ALL)05/95]
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a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
[SR12970(ALL)05/95]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air
bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately.
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[SR13000(ALL)03/95]
Disposal of supplemental air bag equipped vehicles
[SR13150(ALL)02/95]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be
disposed of by qualified personnel.
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[SR13700(ALL)05/95]
Safety Restraints for Children
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[SR13800(ALL)02/95]
In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety
restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle Ð
this generally includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less Ð you must
put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these
children. Check your local and state laws for specific
requirements.
File:wnsrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:27:08 1996

55
Starting Your Windstar
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[ST02000(ALL)03/95]
Ignition
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[ST02100(ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
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[ST02300(ALL)09/93]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040047-C
The ignition positions
% [ST02401(ALL)02/94]
ACCESSORY allows you to operate some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories while the engine is not running. For
example, you can use ACCESSORY to turn on the radio or
windshield wipers without starting the engine.
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[ST02501(ALL)01/93]
LOCK locks the steering wheel and the gearshift lever.
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[ST02600(ALL)01/93]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all accessories
without locking the steering wheel, or the gearshift lever.
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[ST02701(ALL)01/93]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning lights to make
sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to
the ON position once the engine is started and remains in this
position while the engine runs.
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[ST02801(ALL)01/93]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you don't damage the starter. The key should return to
the ON position when you release it. The START position also
allows you to test the brake warning light.
File:wnsts.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996

Starting Your Windstar
57
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[ST04200(ALL)03/95]
Fuel-Injected Engines
[ST04300(ALL)02/95]
Since your vehicle has a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid pressing down on the
acceleratorwhile cranking the engine to start. Only use the
accelerator when you have problems getting your vehicle
started. SeeStarting a Cold EngineandStarting a Warm Engine
later in this chapter for details about when to use the
accelerator while you start your vehicle.
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[ST04400(ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
[ST04500(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more
instructions.
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[ST04600(ALL)01/93]
Before you start your vehicle, always:
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[ST04700(ALL)01/93]1.
Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
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[ST04800(ALL)03/95]2.
Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned
off when starting.
[ST04900(ALL)02/95]3.
Make sure that the gearshift lever is in Park (P) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
[ST05100(ALL)02/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument cluster to make sure that they work. Refer to
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:wnsts.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996

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[ST05400(ALL)02/95]
Starting the Engine
[ST05500(ALL)02/95]
To start the engine:
[ST05600(ALL)02/95]1.
Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicleand
underTesting the Warning Lightsin this section.
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[ST05700(ALL)01/93]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to ON.
[ST05800(ALL)02/95]3.
DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator until after the engine is
running and you are ready to drive away.
[ST05900(ALL)02/95]4.
Turn the key to the START position until the engine starts.
(Release the key after the engine has started and it will
return to the ON position.)
[ST06000(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly to relieve any binding.
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[ST06600(ALL)04/94]
For a cold engine:
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[ST06700(ALL)04/95]
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At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
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[ST06800(ALL)04/95]
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At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the
engine, then try again.
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[ST06900(ALL)04/94]
For a warm engine:
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[ST07000(ALL)04/95]
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Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF
position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try
again.
File:wnsts.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996