1997 FORD WINDSTAR fuel

Maintenance and Care
313
[MC24700(ALL)01/96]
In some parts of the country, ªregularº grade fuels are sold
with octane ratings of 86 or even less especially in high altitude
areas. We recommend that you do not use these fuels. Always
use a fuel with an octane rating of at least 87, even if it is sold
as a ªmidgradeº or ªpremium.º
%*
[MC24800(ALL)03/96
]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane rated fuel, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician to prevent any engine damage.
%*
[MC24900(ALL)05/96
]
Fuel quality
[MC25000(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle has problems starting, rough idle, or hesitation
problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused by fuel
with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer or qualified service
technician.
*
[MC25100(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
*
[MC25200(ALL)05/96]
n
minimizing deposits in fuel injectors, combustion chambers
and on intake valves.
*
[MC25300(ALL)05/96]
n
assuring quick starting and smooth warm-up.
*
[MC25400(ALL)05/96]
n
protecting the fuel system from vapor lock in very hot
weather, which causes the engine to hesitate or stall and
makes restarts difficult.
*
[MC25500(ALL)05/96]
n
protecting your fuel system from rusting.
*
[MC25600(ALL)05/96]
n
preventing the fuel lines from freezing.
*
[MC25700(ALL)05/96]
n
preventing the fuel system from ªgumming upº when your
vehicle is not used for long periods of time.
*
[MC25800(ALL)05/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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314
WARNING
Automotivefuel sca n caus eseriou sinjur yor deat hif

Maintenance and Care
315
*
[MC26800(ALL)01/96]
If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. If a
gasoline-methanol blend is swallowed, induce vomiting under
the direction of a physician or poison control center.
[MC26900(ALL)01/96]
Gasoline and gasoline-methanol blends may contain small
amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to
unleaded gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Excessive inhalation of fuel vapors can cause headache,
dizziness, nausea, poor coordination, and other symptoms which
could interfere with your ability to safely operate your vehicle.
Avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel vapors are
inhaled in excessive quantities, move the victim to fresh air and
seek medical attention.
[MC27000(ALL)04/96]
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Be
careful not to splash fuel on yourself or your clothing. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing
and wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water.
*
[MC27100(ALL)01/96]
Fuels can cause severe eye irritation and possibly eye damage. If
fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if worn),
flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes, and seek
medical attention.
*
[MC27200(ALL)01/96]
If you are taking the medication ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact
with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of
adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result.
Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse
reaction.
*
[MC27300(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may
have an adverse effect on modern powertrain
components.
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316
%*
[MC27400(ALL)01/96
]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[MC27500(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on level ground
away from traffic. Add at least two gallons (8 liters) of fuel to
start your vehicle again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters) of fuel to start
it.
[MC27600(ALL)01/96]
You may need to turn the ignition to START several times
before engaging the starter (leaving it in that position several
seconds each time) before the fuel system starts to pump fuel
from the tank to the engine.
%*
[MC27700(ALL)03/96
]
Fuel Economy
*
[MC27800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
To calculate the fuel economy:
*
[MC28000(ALL)01/96]1.
Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
*
[MC28100(ALL)01/96]2.
Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
[MC28200(ALL)01/96]3.
Divide the total number of miles that you have driven by
the total number of gallons that your vehicle has used. This
will give you the average numbers of miles per gallon.
[MC28300(ALL)01/96]
In metric, multiply the number of liters used by 100 and
divide the answer by the number of kilometers traveled. This
will give you the number of liters used per 100 km.
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Maintenance and Care
317
*
[MC28400(ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
[MC28500(ALL)01/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and therefore are estimates
which may not reflect the actual conditions you experience. The
tests also do not exactly duplicate your personal style of
driving, including all your stops, starts, and lane changes. Other
factors that may affect fuel economy include using the air
conditioning, driving speed, vehicle load and tire inflation
pressure. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee
that you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
%*
[MC28600(ALL)01/96
]
Improving Fuel Economy
[MC28700(ALL)01/96]
You can improve the fuel economy for your vehicle in three
ways:
[MC28800(ALL)07/96]1.
Maintain your vehicle effectively. A well-tuned, properly
maintained vehicle gives you better fuel economy. Follow the
schedules for maintaining your vehicle that are in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC28900(ALL)04/96]2.
Drive your vehicle efficiently. Change your driving habits to
conserve fuel:
[MC29000(ALL)04/96]
n
Do not drive with your foot on the brake.
[MC29100(ALL)04/96]
n
Watch traffic so that you do not have to stop suddenly.
[MC29200(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not accelerate suddenly. Drive at a steady speed
whenever you can.
[MC29300(ALL)04/96]
n
Do not let the engine idle for a long time.
[MC29400(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not carry loads that are too heavy. To find out the limits
for the loads that your vehicle can carry, seeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
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318
[MC29500(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep the tires properly inflated. To find out the
recommended tire pressure, seeChecking the pressure of the
tireslater in this chapter.
[MC29600(ALL)01/96]
n
Use your air conditioning system wisely. To find out about
fuel economy and air conditioning, seeClimate control systems
in the Index.
[MC29700(ALL)01/96]
In addition to your individual driving habits, optional
equipment, such as air conditioning, can have a significant effect
on fuel economy. Various aftermarket add-on items that increase
aerodynamic drag can also reduce fuel economy.
%*
[MC29800(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC29900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[MC30000(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[MC30100(ALL)01/96]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC30200(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC30300(ALL)01/96]
n
Never turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
[MC30400(ALL)07/96]
n
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emission system.
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330
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[MC39800(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC39900(ALL)12/95]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do
not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel, or strong detergents.
%*
[MC40000(ALL)01/96
]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC40100(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with
a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for
routine cleaning.
*
[MC40200(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC40300(ALL)01/96
]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed
rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is
not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC40400(ALL)02/96
]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
*
[MC40500(ALL)02/96]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is
recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach
or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.
*
[MC40600(ALL)01/96]
Your Built-In Child Seat may be cleaned with mild soap and
water. Do not use household cleaners as they may weaken the
webbing or damage the plastic parts. For your convenience, the
liner can be removed, machine-washed, and air-dried.
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332
%*
[MC41300(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Seats
*
[MC41400(ALL)01/96]
Leather and vinyl
[MC41500(ALL)01/96]
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth.
For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a leather
cleaner of a mild soap.
%*
[MC41600(ALL)05/96
]
Fabric
*
[MC41700(ALL)05/96]
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum
cleaner. Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions
that come with the cleaner.
*
[MC41800(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Before using any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden
area of fabric. If the fabric's color or texture is
adversely affected by a particular cleaner, do not use
it.
%*
[MC41900(ALL)03/96
]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC42000(ALL)03/96]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996