1997 FORD WINDSTAR check oil

Instrumentation
15
*
[IS04900(ALL)05/96]
After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on
the fourth engine start up, the Service Engine Soon Warning
Light should turn off. If the light does not go off after the
fourth engine re-start, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified technician.
%*
[IS05000(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
[IS05100(ALL)07/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged. The
light illuminates briefly during the display self-test every time
you turn your ignition 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 and the alternator is charging.
*
[IS05200(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
[IS05300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050149-B
The charging system light
% [IS05400(ALL)07/96]
Oil Pressure Light
[IS05500(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050150-B
The oil pressure light
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

16
[IS05600(ALL)12/95]
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.
*
[IS05700(ALL)07/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS05800(ALL)07/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS05900(ALL)07/96]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
[IS06000(ALL)07/96]3.
Check the engine's oil level. (See ªChecking and Adding
Engine Oilº in theMaintenance and Carechapter 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.
[IS06100(ALL)07/96]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.
%*
[IS07000(ALL)01/96]
Door Ajar Warning Light
*
[IS07100(ALL)01/96]
If the ignition switch is in the ON position and any door or the
liftgate is not completely closed, the light will illuminate.
[IS07200(ALL)12/95]
If the light illuminates, safely stop the vehicle and check and
close all doors until the light turns off.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

26
[IS15519(ALL)07/96]
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.
*
[IS15521(ALL)07/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS15523(ALL)07/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS15525(ALL)07/96]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
[IS15527(ALL)07/96]3.
Check the engine's oil level. (See ªChecking and Adding
Engine Oilº in theMaintenance and Carechapter 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.
[IS15529(ALL)07/96]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.
% [IS15531(ALL)07/96]
Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
[IS15533(ALL)07/96]
This light indicates that the level of your washer fluid is low,
and you have to add more fluid. This light comes on briefly
after you turn your ignition key from the START to the ON
position. If the washer fluid is low, a one second chime will
sound and the light will remain on for 60 seconds. If the washer
fluid is not low, the light should turn off a few seconds after
the engine has started. The light and chime also come on if the
washer fluid is low when you use your windshield washers.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

286
[MC04000(ALL)04/96]
What to Check When You Stop at a Service
Station
%*
[MC04100(ALL)01/96]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[MC04200(ALL)01/96]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
[MC04300(ALL)04/96]
Use only engine oils displaying the American Petroleum
Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the container:
*
[MC04400(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
*
[MC04500(ALL)01/96]
Neveruse:
*
[MC04600(ALL)01/96]
n
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[MC04700(ALL)02/96]
n
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[MC04800(ALL)01/96
]
n
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

Maintenance and Care
287
%*
[MC04900(ALL)03/96
]
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).
%*
[MC05000(ALL)03/96
]
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.
%*
[MC05100(ALL)01/96
]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC05200(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC05300(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC05400(ALL)01/96]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.
*
[MC05500(ALL)01/96]2.
Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
*
[MC05600(ALL)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
[MC05700(ALL)01/96]4.
Locate the dipstick labelled ªEngine Oilº and carefully pull it
out of the engine.
*
[MC05800(ALL)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

288
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0050073-D
Engine oil dipstick
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil
level is beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC06300(ALL)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[MC06400(ALL)01/96
]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC06500(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
%*
[MC06600(ALL)05/96
]
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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

374
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 292
checking hoses................... 296
disposal..................288, 295, 300
drain and flush................... 296
preparing for storage................ 338
proper solution...............288, 294, 300
recovery reservoir................283, 292
specifications.................... 335
temperature gauge................ 21,29
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description.................... 21,29
mechanical...................... 21
Engine fan...................... 279
Engine knocking................... 313
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter.............. 288
checking and adding................ 287
dipstick...................... 287
disposal..................288, 295, 300
engine oil pressure warning light.......... 15,25
filter, specifications................. 333
refill capacities................... 334
specifications.................... 286
synthetic oil.................... 286
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 4
viscosity...................... 287
Entry system
illuminated..................... 143
keyless....................... 136
remote....................... 139
Exhaust fumes.................... 220
Extended Service Plan, Ford............... 4
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 1996

380
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
check engine..................... 13
door ajar....................... 16
hazard warning light............... 27,108
high beam...................... 18
low fuel....................... 19
low washer fluid................. 18,26
oil pressure.................... 15,25
safety belt...................... 12
service engine soon.................. 13
speed control.................... 114
theft system..................... 39
traction control system................ 37
turn signal indicator................ 17,102
Load limits
GAWR....................... 245
GVWR....................... 245
trailer towing..................236, 246
Lubricant specifications................ 335
Luggage rack..................... 241
Lug nuts
anti-theft...................... 266
tightening sequence................. 271
Lumbar support pad.................. 149
M
Maintenance schedule and record (see separate Maintenance
Schedule and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see servicing)............... 279
Master cylinder, brakes................ 289
Methanol in fuel................... 314
Mileage, calculating fuel economy............ 316
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview mirror.......118, 122
dual electric remote control............. 130
heated....................... 131
rearview...................... 129
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 1996