1998 FORD WINDSTAR Owners Manual

Starting
209
*
[TO04300(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
*
[TO04400(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO04500(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO04600(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
[TO04700(ALL)12/95]
If the exhaust system has any indications of leaks it should be
repaired immediately.
*
[TO04800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
[TO04900(ALL)12/95]
If the engine idles while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch. Also,
adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in outside air.
*
[TO05000(ALL)01/96]
Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
File:08wntos.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:45:28 1996

211
Driving
%*
[GF00200(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00300(ALL)01/96]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
*
[GF00400(ALL)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
[GF00500(ALL)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[GF00600(ALL)01/96]
Rear Disc Brakes (If equipped)
[GF00700(ALL)01/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
The rear disc parking brakes need to be adjusted manually.
*
[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF01000(ALL)01/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
*
[GF01100(ALL)05/96]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
*
[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
[GF01300(ALL)09/96]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
[GF01400(ALL)09/96]
The ABS has self-check capabilities. The system turns on the
ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

2124 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test feature.
If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS warning
light will come on.
[GF01500(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0050147-B
The anti-lock brake system light
[GF01600(ALL)09/96]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
*
[GF01700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
*
[GF01800(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
*
[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
213 key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
%*
[GF02000(ALL)03/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[GF02100(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
*
[GF02300(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
%*
[GF02400(ALL)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF02500(ALL)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
%*
[GF02600(ALL)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
[GF02700(ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

214
*
[GF02900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF03000(ALL)05/96]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[GF03100(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
[GF03200(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake is a hand operated lever located on the floor
of your vehicle just to the right of the driver's seat.
[GF03300(ALL)01/96]
To set the parking brake while parking your vehicle, press the
brake pedal with your right foot and hold it while you fully
apply the parking brake lever.
[GF03400(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your
right foot, pull up the lever while depressing the release button
on the parking brake lever then lower the lever all the way to
the floor.
[GF03500(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050057-B
The parking brake
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
215
*
[GF03600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
[GF03700(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, check brake fluid level, then
have the brakes checked immediately. They may not be
working properly.
*
[GF03800(ALL)02/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
*
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
*
[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.
%*
[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.
*
[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.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

216
%*
[GF04600(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
%*
[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.
[GF04900(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050016-A
The steering column gearshift
*
[GF05000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*
[GF05100(ALL)01/96]
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
217
% [GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Brake-Shift Interlock Safety Feature
[GF05300(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a special brake-shift interlock safety feature
which prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the
brake pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
*
[GF05400(ALL)01/96]
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF05500(ALL)01/96]1.
Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]2.
Apply the parking brake.
*
[GF05700(ALL)05/96]3.
Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position
(OFF).
*
[GF05800(ALL)01/96]4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[GF05900(ALL)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
*
[GF06000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF06100(ALL)05/96]
Backing Up
*
[GF06200(ALL)01/96]
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996