1996 FORD WINDSTAR warning 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

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

24
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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

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.
%*
[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.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:19 1996

58
[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]
n
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]
n
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]
n
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

62
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[ST10600(ALL)02/95]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
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[ST10700(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
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[ST10800(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[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.
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[ST11000(ALL)02/95]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
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[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.
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[ST11200(ALL)02/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
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[ST11300(ALL)02/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
[ST11400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in
exhaust fumes.
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[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.
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[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

65
Warning Lights and Gauges
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[LG00250(ALL)01/95]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided
into several different sections. The illustrations on the following
pages show the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all
vehicles.
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[LG00270(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:
[LG00290(ALL)06/94]
n
Mechanical Cluster
[LG00300(ALL)05/89]
n
Mechanical Cluster with a tachometer
[LG00320(ALL)10/93]
n
Electronic Cluster
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[LG00330(ALL)05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the
diagrams on the following pages.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996