1998 FORD WINDSTAR check engine

278
[MC05900(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0050073-D
Engine oil dipstick
*
[MC06000(ALL)01/96]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil
level is beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
*
[MC06100(ALL)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[MC06200(ALL)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC06300(ALL)09/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[MC06400(ALL)01/96]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[MC06500(ALL)05/96]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for additional
information.
%*
[MC06600(ALL)05/96
]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
281
%*
[MC08100(ALL)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
%*
[MC08200(ALL)03/96]
Washer Fluid
[MC08300(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
front, passenger side of the engine compartment. This reservoir
contains the fluid for both the windshield and liftgate washers.
*
[MC08400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
[MC08500(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050050-B
Windshield washer fill location
%*
[MC08600(ALL)02/96
]
Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol
should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below32ÊF
[0ÊC]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze,
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

282methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[MC08700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Windshield washer fluid contains methanol which is
poisonous.
[MC08800(ALL)01/96]
When adding windshield washer solution, be sure to observe all
warnings indicated on the washer solution container.
%*
[MC08900(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
[MC09100(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant
reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant
should stay slightly above the ºFULL COLDª mark.
*
[MC09200(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC09300(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC09400(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
283
[MC09500(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050025-B
Engine coolant recovery reservoir fill location
%*
[MC09600(ALL)05/96
]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an equivalent
engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do
not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. If you do
not use the proper coolant, the aluminum radiator on your
vehicle will corrode.
*
[MC09700(ALL)05/96]
Whenever you remove the radiator cap, make sure that you also
check the condition of the radiator cap rubber seals. Make sure
they are clean and free of any dirt. Rinse off with water, if
necessary. When you replace the radiator cap, make sure the
radiator filler neck seats are clean. Also check that the overflow
hose is not kinked or turned in such a way that prevents an
easy flow.
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284
*
[MC09800(ALL)05/96]
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is running or
hot. If you must remove the radiator cap, follow these steps to
avoid personal injury that can be caused by escaping steam or
engine coolant.
*
[MC09900(ALL)05/96]1.
Turn the engine off and let it cool before removing the
radiator cap. You should exercise care when removing the
cap, even from a cooled engine.
*
[MC10000(ALL)05/96]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC10100(ALL)05/96]3.
Step back while the pressure is released.
*
[MC10200(ALL)05/96]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to press, turn, and remove cap.
[MC10300(ALL)01/96]5.
Stand away from the radiator opening while removing the
cap. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may
splash out.
%*
[MC10400(ALL)05/96]
Freezing Protection
*
[MC10500(ALL)05/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium Cooling System
Fluid and water will protect your vehicle tos35ÊF (s37ÊC).
Check the freeze protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
% [MC10600(ALL)01/96]
Add engine coolant only to the engine coolant recovery
reservoir Ð not to the radiator. If the coolant level is low, add
to the engine coolant recovery reservoir a 50/50 mixture of
water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. If the
coolant recovery reservoir is empty, you should also check the
radiator to see if it is low. Check the coolant level again the
next few times you drive your vehicle.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

286
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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).
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[MC11600(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[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.
%*
[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
*
[MC12100(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[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.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
287
*
[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.
*
[MC12500(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
*
[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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288
*
[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 º2Pª printed on the fluid container).
*
[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.
*
[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).
%*
[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.
[MC13500(ALL)09/96]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (32 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (32 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996