1998 FORD WINDSTAR 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 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
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[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.
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Driving
227
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[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
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[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.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

228
[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).
[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.
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Driving
229
%*
[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
[GF17500(ALL)12/95]
The rear cross-bar can be adjusted forward and backward. Place
your luggage between the bars, adjust the rear bar, and secure
the luggage with rope to the bars. Items carried on the roof
rack must be properly secured before driving your vehicle.
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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
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Driving
231
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[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Wheel Spin
[GF18400(ALL)01/96]
Extreme acceleration can cause the front wheels to spin,
resulting in reduced steering control. If the wheels spin during
vehicle start-up, shift to 2 (Second) gear. Move forward slowly
and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking the vehicle.
% [GF18500(ALL)04/96]
Driving at High Speeds
*
[GF18600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[GF18700(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[GF18800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads.
*
[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
[GF19300(ALL)04/96]
n
Drive more slowly than you would normally.
*
[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not use speed control.
*
[GF19500(ALL)01/96]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF19600(ALL)04/96]
n
Use the ªsqueezeº technique for braking as described in
previous braking sections.
*
[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
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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
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[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

Driving
233
[GF20800(ALL)04/96]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may
overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
%*
[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF21300(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kgs)
or 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kgs) with Trailer Tow Package provided the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the GVWR shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996