1997 FORD WINDSTAR power steering

228
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[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
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[GF04400(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
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[GF04500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
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[GF04600(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
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[GF04700(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE ON/OFF button is located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

296
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[MC11200(ALL)05/96]
Leave the coolant in all year. Make sure that the coolant will
not freeze at the temperature level in which you usually drive
during winter months. Keep an engine coolant in your engine
that has a protection rating of at leasts20ÊF (s29ÊC).
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[MC11300(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's
coolant system can hold, seeRefill CapacitiesinCapacities and
Specificationschapter.
[MC11400(ALL)01/96]
You may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you
should replace it with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant as
soon as possible.
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[MC11500(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add engine coolant more than once a month, or
you have to add more than a quart (liter) at a time.
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[MC11600(ALL)01/96
]
Checking Hoses
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[MC11700(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine
coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
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[MC11800(ALL)05/96
]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC11900(ALL)01/96]
To drain and flush your engine coolant, youMUSTsee your
Ford dealer or refer to the procedure in the service manual.
Failing to do so could result in engine damage.
% [MC12000(ALL)04/96]
Power Steering Fluid
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[MC12100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[MC12200(ALL)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
[MC12300(ALL)01/96]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will reach the right temperature after at least five
minutes of idling or at least one mile (1 km) of driving.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

Maintenance and Care
297
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[MC12400(ALL)01/96]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
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[MC12500(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
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[MC12600(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
[MC12700(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050163-A
The power steering fluid cap
[MC12800(ALL)01/96]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until the fluid is
between the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) lines on
the dipstick. Do not overfill.
[MC12900(ALL)01/96]6.
Make sure the cap is free of all dirt prior to re-installing to
prevent pump damage.
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[MC13000(ALL)01/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford Specification
ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid,
E6AZ-19582-AA or an equivalent Type F Automatic Transaxle
Fluid with a Ford registration number (an 8-digit number
beginning with ª2Pº printed on the fluid container).
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

298
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[MC13100(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.
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[MC13200(ALL)01/96]
If you must check the power steering fluid when it is cold,
make sure that the fluid reaches at least the minimum (MIN)
mark. The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature
is approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
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[MC13300(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC13400(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, you need to change the fluid at
30,000 miles (48,000 km) for normal operating conditions or
21,000 miles (34,000 km) for severe duty. However, if the
transaxle is not working properly (for example, slipping or
shifting slowly), or you notice some sign of fluid leakage, the
fluid level should be checked.
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[MC13500(ALL)01/96]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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[MC13600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
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[MC13700(ALL)01/96
]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[MC13800(ALL)01/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking
brake and leave the engine running.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996

382
Power steering
dipstick...................... 296
driving with power steering............. 228
fluid, checking and adding.............. 296
fluid, specifications................. 335
servicing...................... 228
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems)........... 41
Rear climate control system............... 91
Rearview mirror.................... 118
Rear window..................... 125
defroster....................... 93
washer........................ 94
washer reservoir.................. 291
Refill capacities for fluids............... 334
Relays........................ 258
Remote entry system................. 139
illuminated entry.................. 143
locking/unlocking doors............... 140
panic alarm.................... 141
replacement/additional transmitters.......... 142
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult........................ 147
child........................ 186
infant.....................186, 200
Roadside assistance.................. 341
Roadside emergencies................. 247
Roof rack....................... 241
Rotating the tires................... 304
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 1996

384
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing............. 279
servicing when you tow............... 278
Shift-lock system................... 229
Shift positions (see Gearshift).............. 228
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints)....... 170
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints).......... 170
Side mirrors
adjusting...................... 129
heated....................... 131
Snow tires and chains................. 308
Spare tire
changing the tire.................. 259
conventional spare................. 259
Spark plugs, specifications............... 333
Special driving conditions............... 242
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 335
Speed control
resetting...................... 113
tap up/tap down.................. 113
when towing a trailer................ 239
Speedometer.................... 22,30
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............ 217
starting a cold engine................ 218
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 272
Steering, power.................... 228
Steering wheel
horn........................ 108
locking....................... 100
tilting....................... 109
Storage compartments................. 167
cargo net...................... 134
center console................... 131
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Thu Aug 1 08:57:39 1996