1997 FORD WINDSTAR fuel cap

14comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem
with one of the vehicle's emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
[IS04400(ALL)05/96]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while
you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is
misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the
first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed
in.
[IS04500(ALL)05/96]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are
driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition
corrected itself.
*
[IS04600(ALL)05/96]
An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an
engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the
Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was
misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After
refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after
the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles
without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists
of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient
temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
[IS04700(ALL)05/96]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not
necessary to have the engine serviced.
*
[IS04800(ALL)05/96]
Under certain conditions, the Service Engine Soon Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Service
Engine Soon Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap
is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the cap,
making sure it is properly seated.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

30
*
[IS15569(ALL)07/96]
If your engine overheats:
*
[IS15571(ALL)07/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
*
[IS15573(ALL)07/96]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[IS15575(ALL)07/96]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[IS15577(ALL)07/96]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine in this Owner
Guide. Seeengine coolantin the index. If you do not follow
these instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS15579(ALL)07/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced.
[IS15581(ALL)07/96]
If the temperature gauge displays only the top two and bottom
two bars, the temperature indication system is indicating that it
requires servicing. Take the vehicle to a dealership for service as
soon as possible.
%*
[IS15583(ALL)07/96]
Speedometer
[IS15585(ALL)07/96]
The electronic speedometer in the left center of the cluster has
two displays that indicate how fast your vehicle is moving in
miles or kilometers per hour. Press the fuel computer E/M
(English/Metric) button to switch between MPH and km/h. The
main digital speedometer indicates speed up to 120 MPH
(199 km/h). The secondary bar graph speedometer indicates
approximate speed up to 120 MPH in steps of 4 MPH
(180 km/h in steps of 6 km/h). The bar graph speedometer
shows your approximate speed relative to the full scale, and it
gives you a visual indication of how fast your speed is changing
when you accelerate or decelerate.
[IS15587(ALL)07/96]
Your vehicle may not actually be able to travel at the maximum
speeds indicated by the speedometer due to a speed limiter in
the Electronic Engine Control module. The purpose of the
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 10:55:19 1996

84
[CF01800(ALL)01/96]
The air conditioning settings include MAX A/C, A/C andS
(Panel/Floor). However, heating capabilities are also provided in
these modes. Adjust the Temperature Control Knob as necessary
to receive cool (air-conditioned) or warm (heated) air when in
these modes.
[CF01900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The A/C compressor will only operate when outside
air temperatures are above approximately45ÊF (7ÊC).
[CF02000(ALL)01/96]
The climate control system provides fresh outside air in all
function control settings except for MAX A/C andm(OFF).
Only recirculated interior air is available in MAX A/C.
[CF02100(ALL)01/96]
InMAX A/C, air from inside the passenger compartment is
recirculated continuously and the A/C compressor is engaged.
In this position, the system provides maximum cooling,
maximum dehumidifying, and greater fuel efficiency. It also has
a greater noise level because the sound of the air from the
blower motor is not muffled by a closed damper door as it
would be in all other functional settings.
[CF02200(ALL)01/96]
InA/C, outside air is drawn into the system and the A/C
compressor is engaged. The cooling process and the distribution
of cooled air is the same as that provided with MAX A/C.
Because outside air is drawn into the system, it will not have
the advantage of cooling already cooled air. It will have a lower
noise level because a closed damper door muffles the sound of
the air from the blower motor.
[CF02300(ALL)01/96]
InQ(PANEL), air is drawn from the outside and directed into
the passenger compartment through the instrument panel
registers. The temperature of the air can be varied by adjusting
the Temperature Control Knob. This mode is normally used as a
vent setting. The A/C compressor does not operate in this
mode, only heating capabilities are provided.
File:05wncfs.ex
Update:Wed Jul 31 15:55:37 1996

90
*
[CF06100(ALL)01/96]
The air conditioner may be used to cool the outside air being
drawn into your vehicle, but using recirculated air is more
economical and cools your vehicle more quickly.
*
[CF06200(ALL)01/96]
Cooling your vehicle with outside air
*
[CF06300(ALL)01/96]
Cooling your vehicle with air conditioned outside air is quieter
but less economical than using recirculated air. It also has less
cooling capacity.
[CF06400(ALL)01/96]
To cool your vehicle with outside air:
[CF06500(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the Function Selector Knob to the A/C orS
(PANEL/FLOOR).
[CF06600(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the Temperature Control Knob to COOL.
[CF06700(ALL)01/96]3.
Turn the Fan Speed Knob to the position of your choice.
[CF06800(ALL)01/96]4.
Make sure that the registers in the instrument panel are open
and adjusted to the positions of your choice.
[CF06900(ALL)01/96]
During periods of high humidity, vapor may be emitted from
the air outlets when using the A/C with outside air. Correct
this by switching the Function Control Knob to MAX A/C.
*
[CF07000(ALL)01/96]
Improving fuel economy
[CF07100(ALL)01/96]
Whenever you turn on the air conditioning, your vehicle uses
more fuel because the air conditioning compressor is running.
To get better fuel economy while cooling your vehicle, do not
use the air conditioner on mild days. Instead, set the function
control knob toQ(PANEL) and turn the temperature control
knob to COOL.
*
[CF07200(ALL)01/96]
Operating tips
[CF07300(ALL)01/96]
To vary the temperature inside your vehicle, move the
Temperature Control Knob toward WARM (red) for warmer
temperatures and toward COOL (blue) for cooler temperatures.
The Temperature Control Knob setting determines the
temperature of the air being discharged from the system in all
operating modes (heating or A/C).
File:05wncfs.ex
Update:Wed Jul 31 15:55:37 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

375
Index
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury............. 279
Federal Communications Commission........... 79
Flashers, hazard.................... 108
Flashing the lights................... 103
Flat tire........................ 259
Fluid refill capacities.................. 334
Foglamps........................ 96
Ford Dispute Settlement Board............. 344
Ford Extended Service Plan................ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada............ 349
Ford of Canada Customer Assistance Centre....... 349
Foreign registration.................. 347
French owner guides, how to obtain............ 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy............... 316
capacity...................... 334
choosing the right fuel................ 312
filling your vehicle with fuel............. 310
filter, specifications................. 333
fuel gauge.................... 19,28
improving fuel economy............... 317
low fuel warning light................. 19
octane rating.................... 312
quality....................... 313
running out of fuel................. 316
safety information relating to automotive fuels..... 314
storing your vehicle................. 337
treating emergencies................. 314
Fuel and distance computer
average economy................... 35
English/metric button................. 33
instant economy.................... 34
reset button...................... 33
select button..................... 33
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 1996

376
Fuel and distance computer (continued)
to empty indicator.................. 35
trip distance..................... 34
Fuel cap, replacing.................. 311
Fuel filter, specifications................ 333
Fuel gauge..................... 19,28
Fuse panels
engine compartment................. 256
instrument panel.................. 250
Fuses
charts....................... 252
checking and replacing............... 250
G
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)..........312, 316
Gasohol....................... 314
Gauges, Electronic
engine coolant temperature gauge........... 29
fuel gauge...................... 28
odometer....................... 31
speedometer..................... 30
tachometer...................... 32
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge........... 21
fuel gauge...................... 19
odometer....................... 22
speedometer..................... 22
tachometer...................... 23
trip odometer..................... 22
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating..................... 236
definition....................235, 245
driving with a heavy load.............. 245
location...................... 235
Gearshift
automatic operation................. 228
column-mounted.................. 228
locking the gearshift................. 100
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 1996