1997 FORD WINDSTAR check engine

Instrumentation
27
[IS15535(ALL)07/96]
The washer fluid is only checked when the engine is started or
the windshield washers are in operation. The light will not
come on if the fluid level becomes low while you are driving
unless you turn on the windshield washers.
[IS15537(ALL)07/96]
6 pica art:0050062-B
The low windshield washer indicator light
[IS15539(ALL)07/96]
Speed Control Indicator
[IS15541(ALL)07/96]
A SPEED CONTROL light is displayed in the optional electronic
instrument cluster when the speed control system is engaged.
The display will turn off when the brake pedal is pressed or if
speed control is shut off.
*
[IS15543(ALL)07/96]
This display does not indicate any problems with the speed
control, but is simply a convenient way of knowing when it is
active.
[IS15545(ALL)07/96]
6 pica art:0050220-A
The speed control light
% [IS15547(ALL)07/96]
Hazard Flasher Indicator Light
[IS15549(ALL)07/96]
This light flashes when you turn on the hazard flashers. If your
ignition is ON, the turn signal indicator lights in the electronic
cluster will flash in time with the hazard flashers.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

30
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[IS15569(ALL)07/96]
If your engine overheats:
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[IS15571(ALL)07/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
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[IS15573(ALL)07/96]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[IS15575(ALL)07/96]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[IS15577(ALL)07/96]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.
*
[IS15579(ALL)07/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced.
[IS15581(ALL)07/96]
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.
%*
[IS15583(ALL)07/96]
Speedometer
[IS15585(ALL)07/96]
The electronic speedometer in the left center of the cluster has
two displays that indicate how fast your vehicle is moving in
miles or kilometers per hour. Press the fuel computer E/M
(English/Metric) button to switch between MPH and km/h. The
main digital speedometer indicates speed up to 120 MPH
(199 km/h). The secondary bar graph speedometer indicates
approximate speed up to 120 MPH in steps of 4 MPH
(180 km/h in steps of 6 km/h). The bar graph speedometer
shows your approximate speed relative to the full scale, and it
gives you a visual indication of how fast your speed is changing
when you accelerate or decelerate.
[IS15587(ALL)07/96]
Your vehicle may not actually be able to travel at the maximum
speeds indicated by the speedometer due to a speed limiter in
the Electronic Engine Control module. The purpose of the
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

Starting
221
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[TO04300(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
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[TO04400(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO04500(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO04600(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
[TO04700(ALL)12/95]
If the exhaust system has any indications of leaks it should be
repaired immediately.
*
[TO04800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
[TO04900(ALL)12/95]
If the engine idles while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch. Also,
adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in outside air.
*
[TO05000(ALL)01/96]
Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
File:08wntos.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:04 1996

223
Driving
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[GF00200(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF00300(ALL)01/96]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
*
[GF00400(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
[GF00500(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[GF00600(ALL)01/96]
Rear Disc Brakes (If equipped)
[GF00700(ALL)01/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
The rear disc parking brakes need to be adjusted manually.
*
[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF01000(ALL)01/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
*
[GF01100(ALL)05/96]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
*
[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
%*
[GF01300(ALL)01/96]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
*
[GF01400(ALL)01/96]
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
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Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

228
%*
[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
*
[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF04400(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[GF04500(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF04600(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
%*
[GF04700(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE ON/OFF button is located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

240
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[GF15500(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF15600(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF15700(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[GF15800(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[GF15900(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF16000(ALL)01/96]
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:
[GF16100(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF16200(ALL)01/96]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[GF16300(ALL)01/96]3.
With the chocks in place, release the foot service brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF16400(ALL)01/96]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.
*
[GF16500(ALL)01/96]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

Roadside Emergencies
277
[ER14500(ALL)01/96]
After you connect the jumper cables to the batteries:
[ER14600(ALL)04/96]1.
Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the vehicle that has the
booster battery. Run the engine at a moderate speed.
[ER14700(ALL)01/96]2.
Let the dead battery charge for a few minutes and then start
the vehicle that has the dead battery. If the starter does not
crank, check for good, solid jumper cable clamp attachments.
It may take a couple of tries before your vehicle starts. If
your vehicle does not start after several attempts, you may
have a different mechanical problem.
[ER14800(ALL)04/96]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the dead battery.
% [ER14900(ALL)01/96]
Take the jumper cables off in the following order:
[ER15000(ALL)01/96]1.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface in the engine compartment of the vehicle
that needed a jump-start.
[ER15100(ALL)04/96]2.
Remove the other end of the negative (s) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[ER15200(ALL)02/96]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
[ER15300(ALL)04/96]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
vehicle that needed a jump-start.
% [ER15400(ALL)01/96]
After your vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions and drive it around for a
little while with all electrical accessories turned off, to let the
battery recharge.You may need to use a battery charger to
fully recharge the battery.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Tue Jul 9 12:14:55 1996

279
Maintenance and Care
*
[MC00200(ALL)01/96]
How Ford Makes Servicing Your Vehicle
Easy
*
[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[MC00400(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[MC00500(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[MC00700(ALL)03/96]
n
When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
[MC00800(ALL)07/96]
n
We give you aMaintenance Schedulebooklet that makes
tracking routine service for your vehicle easy.
*
[MC00900(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
If you need professional servicing, see the chapter onCustomer
Assistancein this Owner Guide.
[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
Check yourWarranty InformationBooklet to find out which parts
are covered.
%*
[MC01200(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[MC01300(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
[MC01400(ALL)04/96]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts.
*
[MC01500(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996