1996 FORD WINDSTAR suspension

104
% [LG18800(ALL)06/94]
Anti-Theft Active Indicator Light
[LG18900(ALL)03/94]
This indicator is used in the optional Anti-Theft System. See
ªAnti-Theft Systemº in theFeatureschapter of this Owner
Guide.
[LG18950(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050123-B
The anti-theft active indicator light
[LG19000(ALL)08/94]
Air Suspension Warning Light
[LG19050(ALL)08/94]
6 pica art:0050227-A
The air suspension warning light
[LG19100(ALL)08/94]
The warning light for the Air Suspension indicates one of two
things:
[LG19150(ALL)08/94]1.
The service switch (located in the jack storage area) is in the
ªoffº position.
[LG19200(ALL)08/94]2.
A system malfunction has occurred electronically disabling
Air Suspension function.
[LG19250(ALL)08/94]
NOTE: If the switch is returned to or in the ªONº position
and the light does not go out after recycling the
ignition switch OFF/ON, the Air Suspension should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

240
%*
[DR05700(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
*
[DR05800(ALL)01/93]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
*
[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.
*
[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
*
[DR06300(ALL)01/93]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
*
[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.
*
[DR06600(ALL)10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[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

Driving Your Windstar
243
*
[DR07700(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[DR07800(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR07900(ALL)01/93]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
%*
[DR08000(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR08100(ALL)11/93]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR08200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
This will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and
may also cause brake damage.
*
[DR08300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

Driving Your Windstar
249
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR12500(ALL)04/95]
Towing a Trailer
*
[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.
*
[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
n
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.
*
[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[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

Driving Your Windstar
251
*
[DR15500(ALL)01/93]
Payload
*
[DR15600(ALL)07/93]
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
*
[DR15700(ALL)01/93]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR15800(ALL)09/93]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[DR15900(ALL)12/93]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
%*
[DR16000(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[DR16100(ALL)06/94]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the
maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded
including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
%*
[DR16200(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR16300(ALL)01/93]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[DR16400(ALL)12/93]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system.
File:wndrs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

252
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/93]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[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

Roadside Emergencies
271
*
[RE07300(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
*
[RE07350(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the
Air Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or
towing your vehicle.
[RE07400(ALL)10/93]2.
Get out the spare tire and jack. See previous section for
instructions on spare tire removal. The jack is located in the
rear storage compartment in the right door panel of the
cargo area. Remove wing bolt to unfasten jack.
[RE07500(ALL)06/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050043-C
Jack storage
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996

276
*
[RE08600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[RE08700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part
of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do
not start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack.
The jack is only meant for changing the tire.
*
[RE08800(ALL)05/94]
RWARNING
Never raise your vehicle by using a bumper jack. The
bumper could be damaged or the jack could slip and you
could be injured.
[RE08850(ALL)10/93]
NOTE: Never raise your vehicle by placing the jack on the
torsion bar (within axle) or front or rear suspension
components. Serious damage to these components may
occur.
[RE08900(ALL)11/93]6.
Insert the jack handle into the jack, and slide the tapered end
of the jack handle through the slot in the lug nut wrench.
All of these tools are needed to jack up a vehicle.
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996