Page 235 of 385
![FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual Driving
235
%*
[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. Th FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual Driving
235
%*
[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. Th](/manual-img/11/5412/w960_5412-234.png)
Driving
235
%*
[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF10600(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF10900(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF11000(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF11100(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996
Page 236 of 385
![FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 236
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passe FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 236
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passe](/manual-img/11/5412/w960_5412-235.png)
236
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
%*
[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
*
[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[GF11700(ALL)01/96]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan to pull a trailer, do not include these
ratings into your calculations.
*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
%*
[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0050061-CFile:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996
Page 247 of 385
![FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 247
Roadside Emergencies
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers to hazardous
situations.
*
[ER00300(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher switch operates the same lamps as the FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 247
Roadside Emergencies
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers to hazardous
situations.
*
[ER00300(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher switch operates the same lamps as the](/manual-img/11/5412/w960_5412-246.png)
247
Roadside Emergencies
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers to hazardous
situations.
*
[ER00300(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher switch operates the same lamps as the turn
signal lever. When the hazard flasher is activated, all of these
lamps will flash on and off. The turn signal indicators cannot be
used when the hazard lamps are flashing. Operation of the
hazard flashers does not affect operation of the brakelamps.
*
[ER00400(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work even with the key out of the ignition. The
flashers will work for up to two hours when the battery is fully
charged and in good condition. They will not drain the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if
your battery is not fully charged, your battery may be drained
to the point where the vehicle will not start.
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
What To Do If The Engine Does Not Start
%*
[ER00600(ALL)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[ER00700(ALL)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even
after a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have
been activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
*
[ER00800(ALL)03/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch
by hand before you can start your vehicle.
[ER00900(ALL)12/95]
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located behind the
jack access cover under the jack in the cargo compartment.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Tue Jul 9 12:14:55 1996
Page 248 of 385
248
[ER01010(ALL)01/96] If th eengin ecrank sbu tdoe sno tstar tor if yo uhav eha da
WARNING
If yo useeor smel lfuel ,do no trese tth eswitc hor try to
Page 249 of 385
Roadside Emergencies
249
*
[ER01600(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ER01700(ALL)01/96]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.
*
[ER01800(ALL)03/96]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
[ER01900(ALL)01/96]
Fuses and Maxi-Fuses
[ER02000(ALL)01/96]
Fuses and maxi-fuses (high-current fuses) protect your vehicle's
electrical system from overloading. If electrical parts in your
vehicle are not working, the system may have been overloaded
and caused a blown fuse. Before you replace or repair any
electrical parts, check the appropriate fuses.
[ER02100(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050026-A
Fuse panel location
File:10wners.ex
Update:Tue Jul 9 12:14:55 1996
Page 287 of 385
![FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 al FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 al](/manual-img/11/5412/w960_5412-286.png)
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
Page 303 of 385
![FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
303
[MC16700(ALL)07/96]
Wiper Blade Replacement
*
[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assemb FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual Maintenance and Care
303
[MC16700(ALL)07/96]
Wiper Blade Replacement
*
[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assemb](/manual-img/11/5412/w960_5412-302.png)
Maintenance and Care
303
[MC16700(ALL)07/96]
Wiper Blade Replacement
*
[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When
replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent.
*
[MC16900(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC17000(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
[MC17100(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Squeeze the
lock tabs of the plastic clip together to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield to remove
it from the arm.
*
[MC17200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
%*
[MC17300(ALL)01/96]
Tires
[MC17400(ALL)04/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures. See
Checking the pressure of the tireslater in this chapter.
*
[MC17600(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
*
[MC17700(ALL)03/96]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[MC17800(ALL)03/96]
n
Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996
Page 312 of 385
![FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 312
*
[MC23600(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell FORD WINDSTAR 1997 1.G Owners Manual 312
*
[MC23600(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell](/manual-img/11/5412/w960_5412-311.png)
312
*
[MC23600(ALL)01/96]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. Service stations
sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the summer.
*
[MC23800(ALL)01/96]
n
pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
*
[MC23900(ALL)01/96]
n
extended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
*
[MC24000(ALL)01/96]
n
parking the vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
%*
[MC24100(ALL)01/96
]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC24200(ALL)03/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by
federal law and could damage your vehicle. The damage may
not be covered by your warranty.
*
[MC24300(ALL)05/96]
Vehicle inspection programs may detect misfueling. Under these
circumstances, you may be required by law to make costly
repairs at your own expense.
%*
[MC24400(ALL)04/96
]
Octane recommendation
*
[MC24500(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular unleaded gasoline with
an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend
gasolines labeled ªregularº in high altitude areas that are sold
with octane ratings of 86 or even less.
*
[MC24600(ALL)02/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996