Page 217 of 370
![FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 218
%*
[GF06300(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
When to use N (Neutral)
*
[GF06500(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 218
%*
[GF06300(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
When to use N (Neutral)
*
[GF06500(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on](/manual-img/11/5414/w960_5414-216.png)
218
%*
[GF06300(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
When to use N (Neutral)
*
[GF06500(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
[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
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996
Page 225 of 370
![FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 226
[GF13900(ALL)04/96]
Trailer brakes
*
[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[GF14100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a tr FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 226
[GF13900(ALL)04/96]
Trailer brakes
*
[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[GF14100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a tr](/manual-img/11/5414/w960_5414-224.png)
226
[GF13900(ALL)04/96]
Trailer brakes
*
[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[GF14100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
*
[GF14300(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[GF14400(ALL)01/96]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
*
[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
%*
[GF14600(ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
[GF14700(ALL)09/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (72 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[GF14800(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996
Page 226 of 370
![FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual Driving
227
*
[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
[GF150 FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual Driving
227
*
[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
[GF150](/manual-img/11/5414/w960_5414-225.png)
Driving
227
*
[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
[GF15000(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[GF15100(ALL)07/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
*
[GF15200(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
*
[GF15300(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF15400(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[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.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996
Page 229 of 370
![FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 230
[GF17600(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0050032-B
The adjustable cross-bar
%*
[GF17700(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
[GF17900(ALL)04/96]
As w FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 230
[GF17600(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0050032-B
The adjustable cross-bar
%*
[GF17700(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
[GF17900(ALL)04/96]
As w](/manual-img/11/5414/w960_5414-228.png)
230
[GF17600(ALL)12/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0050032-B
The adjustable cross-bar
%*
[GF17700(ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF17800(ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
[GF17900(ALL)04/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use greater care until
you become accustomed to its features and driving
characteristics.
[GF18000(ALL)04/96]
Always operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Abrupt
changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of
these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated, especially when road conditions vary.
[GF18100(ALL)04/96]
For example, even with anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can
make it difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique. Push on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to brake, yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel.
[GF18200(ALL)04/96]
If you release the accelerator abruptly or brake hard while
going too fast around a severe curve, your vehicle may change
its direction of travel. Avoid applying the brakes, if possible. If
you must apply the brakes, use the ªsqueezeº technique
described earlier.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996
Page 231 of 370
![FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 232
[GF19800(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
[GF19900(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual 232
[GF19800(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
[GF19900(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING](/manual-img/11/5414/w960_5414-230.png)
232
[GF19800(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
[GF19900(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces.
%*
[GF20000(ALL)01/96]
High water
*
[GF20100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
[GF20200(ALL)04/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
[GF20300(ALL)04/96]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly to help dry
the brakes.
*
[GF20400(ALL)05/96]
Rocking the Vehicle
[GF20500(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out. Shift in a steady rhythm between forward and
reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator.
If you are still stuck after a few minutes of rocking, call for a
tow truck.
[GF20600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control,
make sure the system has been turned off before
attempting to rock the vehicle.
[GF20700(ALL)07/96]
SeeTraction Control Off Lightin theInstrumentationsection of
this guide for more information.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996
Page 233 of 370
234
%*
[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:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996
Page 279 of 370
280
[MC07600(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050216-B
The brake fluid reservoir
*
[MC07700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
[MC07750(ALL)09/96]
Add fluid if level is 0.30ª or more below the MAX line.
*
[MC07800(ALL)01/96]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[MC07900(ALL)01/96]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
*
[MC08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996
Page 351 of 370

361
Index
Brake fluid...................... 279
checking and adding................ 279
description..................... 279
specifications..................279, 325
Brakelamp, bulb replacement.............. 314
Brakes........................ 211
adjustment..................... 211
anti-lock...................... 211
anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light....... 12
applying the brakes................. 213
brake warning light.............. 11,18,143
fluid, checking and adding.............. 279
fluid, refill capacities................ 279
fluid, specifications...............279, 325
front disc...................... 211
if brakes do not grip well.............. 213
lubricant specifications................ 325
master cylinder................... 279
new brake linings................... 4
noise......................211, 213
parking...................... 214
power braking................... 211
servicing....................213, 279
stopping distances................213, 230
when storing your vehicle.............. 328
Brake-shift interlock.................. 217
Break-in period..................... 4
Brights (high beams)................... 18
File:wnixs.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:49:35 1996