1997 FORD WINDSTAR check engine light

223
Driving
%*
[GF00200(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
*
[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
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

240
*
[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

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

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

Maintenance and Care
321
%*
[MC31700(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC31800(ALL)07/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC31825(ALL)07/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below:
*
[MC32000(ALL)07/96]
n
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and go, city type
traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC32100(ALL)07/96]
n
At least ten minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC32200(ALL)07/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during these driving modes.
[MC33200(ALL)01/96]
Lights
*
[MC33300(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC33400(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC33500(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC33600(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
*
[MC33700(ALL)01/96]
n
hazard flasher
*
[MC33800(ALL)01/96]
n
turn signals
*
[MC33900(ALL)05/96]
n
license plate lamps
*
[MC34000(ALL)01/96]
n
fog lamps
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

373
Index
E
Electrical system
fuses........................ 250
operating when the engine is off........... 100
relays....................... 258
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)........... 71
Electronic sound system
antenna....................... 99
tuning the radio................ 43,54,72
warranty and service information............ 80
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)........... 71
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system).... 71
Emergencies, roadside
assistance...................... 341
battery acid spills................273, 302
fuel........................ 314
jump-starting.................... 272
towing....................... 278
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 226
Emission control system................ 318
catalytic converter.................. 318
emissions warranty.............. 3,318, 320
Engine
check engine warning light............... 13
does not start.................... 247
fuel injected engine, starting............. 217
fuel pump shut-off switch.............. 247
preparing to start.................. 217
service points.................... 283
storing your vehicle................. 336
Engine block heater.................. 220
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 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