1997 FORD WINDSTAR weight

192
[SS24500(ALL)12/95]2.
Lower the seat cushion. Refer to Figure 3. The child safety
seat will move to a semi-reclined position as the seat cushion
is lowered.
[SS24600(ALL)12/95]3.
Read the information and warnings on the child seat cushion
protector flap and shoulder safety belt. Refer to Figure 3.
Check the child's size, weight and age to be sure the child is
not too small or too large for the child seat. Then fold the
flap down onto the adult seat cushion.
[SS24700(ALL)12/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050136-D
Figure 3: Child seat information and warnings
[SS24800(ALL)12/95]4.
If connected, squeeze the top and the bottom of the right
half of the chest clip and pull to separate both halves.
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Update:Thu Jul 18 11:00:49 1996

200
%*
[SS28100(ALL)01/96]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SS28200(ALL)01/96]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight
of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing and using the safety seat.
*
[SS28300(ALL)01/96]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top
tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position
which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps seeAttaching Safety Seats With
Tether Strapsin this chapter.
*
[SS28400(ALL)05/96]
When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct
safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the
tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap
belt combination with a sliding tongue, make sure the retractor
is in the automatic locking mode.
[SS28500(ALL)04/96]
In rear-facing infant seats, the infant's head is closer to the
passenger air bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag
could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle
seatback. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS BE
SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child seats and
infant seats should be secured in the rear seat whenever
possible. Forward-facing child seats used in the front seat must
have the passenger seat moved as far back from the instrument
panel as possible.
*
[SS28600(ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag.
Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye.
Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must
never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air
bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit
with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most
rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or
infant seats.
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234
*
[GF08900(ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading Information
*
[GF09000(ALL)01/96]
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
n
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF09200(ALL)01/96]
n
Payload
*
[GF09300(ALL)01/96]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
n
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[GF09500(ALL)01/96]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[GF09600(ALL)01/96]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF09700(ALL)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF09800(ALL)01/96]
The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel,
coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by
factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[GF09900(ALL)01/96]
Payload
*
[GF10000(ALL)01/96]
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
*
[GF10100(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[GF10300(ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
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.
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Update:Thu Jul 18 11:01:42 1996

236
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
%*
[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
*
[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[GF11700(ALL)01/96]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan to pull a trailer, do not include these
ratings into your calculations.
*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
%*
[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0050061-CFile: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

Maintenance and Care
303
[MC16700(ALL)07/96]
Wiper Blade Replacement
*
[MC16800(ALL)01/96]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly. When
replacing the wiper blade assembly always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent.
*
[MC16900(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC17000(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
[MC17100(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Squeeze the
lock tabs of the plastic clip together to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield to remove
it from the arm.
*
[MC17200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
%*
[MC17300(ALL)01/96]
Tires
[MC17400(ALL)04/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures. See
Checking the pressure of the tireslater in this chapter.
*
[MC17600(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
*
[MC17700(ALL)03/96]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[MC17800(ALL)03/96]
n
Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Mon Jul 8 14:29:32 1996