1997 FORD WINDSTAR service

186
*
[SS20900(ALL)03/96]
The air bag supplemental restraint system uses a readiness light
and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally.NOTE:Maintenance of the air bag system
is not required.
%*
[SS21000(ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
*
[SS21100(ALL)05/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay illuminated,
*
[SS21200(ALL)05/96]
n
or it will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned
on,
%*
[SS21300(ALL)05/96]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
[SS21400(ALL)12/95]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air
bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately.
%*
[SS21500(ALL)05/96]
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
[SS21600(ALL)12/95]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be
disposed of by qualified personnel.
%*
[SS21700(ALL)01/96]
Safety Restraints for Children
*
[SS21800(ALL)01/96]
In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety
restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle Ð
this generally includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less Ð you must
put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these
children. Check your local and state laws for specific
requirements.
File:06wnsss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:00:49 1996

Starting
221
*
[TO04300(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
*
[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
%*
[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

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

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

Driving
241
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
Complete the following steps to start your vehicle after it has
been parked on a grade:
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF16800(ALL)03/96]2.
Start the engine.
*
[GF16900(ALL)01/96]3.
Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
[GF17000(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the foot service brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
[GF17100(ALL)01/96]5.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold while another
person retrieves the chocks.
%*
[GF17200(ALL)01/96]
Four Season Roof Rack (If equipped)
[GF17300(ALL)12/95]
Always load your luggage as far back as it will safely go on the
four season roof rack. Do not load more than 165 pounds
(75 kg) on the roof rack structure or 100 pounds (45 kg) on the
roof panel slats. Be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR front and rear). The GVWR and GAWR are
located on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on
the driver's door pillar).
[GF17400(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0050109-A
The four season roof rack
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

246
%*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Towing a Trailer
*
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

278
%*
[ER15500(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[ER15600(ALL)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
*
[ER15700(ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Tue Jul 9 12:14:55 1996