1997 FORD WINDSTAR light

Driving
231
[GF06600(ALL)01/96]
When to use
jOverdrive
[GF06700(ALL)01/96]
Overdrive is the normal driving position. When the gearshift
lever is placed in
jOverdrive, and the Overdrive Off button
has not been pressed, the vehicle will automatically upshift to
second, third and fourth gears. The transaxle will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is reached.
% [GF06800(ALL)01/96]
When to use D (Drive) Ð with the Overdrive Off button
activated
[GF06900(ALL)01/96]
You will notice that there is only one drive position on your
gearshift indicator (instead of Drive and Overdrive). However,
you will find a button and an indicator light located on the
gearshift lever. Push in the button on the end of the lever and
the OVERDRIVE OFF light on the end of the gearshift lever will
illuminate. With the OVERDRIVE OFF light illuminated, the
transaxle will operate in first, second and third gears and will
not shift into fourth gear. Operating in Drive (OVERDRIVE OFF
light illuminated) provides more engine braking than Overdrive
for descending hills or city driving.
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0050058-A
Overdrive button location
[GF07100(ALL)01/96]
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive operation, press
the OVERDRIVE ON/OFF button again. Use this button to
select Overdrive or Overdrive Off whenever you drive your
vehicle.
*
[GF07200(ALL)01/96]
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
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

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

279
Maintenance and Care
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[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

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

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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996