1998 FORD WINDSTAR maintenance

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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
285
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[MC10700(ALL)05/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula
that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford
engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant
additives in your gasoline powered vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system. Follow the recommended
service interval for changing your engine coolant.
*
[MC10800(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: When adding to or changing your engine coolant, it is
important to maintain a coolant concentration between
40% (s11ÊF [s24ÊC]) and 60% (s62ÊF [s52ÊC])
depending on your local climate conditions. When
coolant concentration falls below 40%, you will lose
freeze protection; above 60%, your engine may
overheat on a warm day. If coolant concentration is
outside this range, you may lose corrosion and rust
protection for the metals in your engine cooling
system.
[MC10900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does not meet all
14 requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
The use of a coolant that does not meet the 14
requirements may void your warranty for the engine
cooling system. Use only a premium, nationally
recognized brand name engine coolant.
*
[MC11000(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the Ford Rotunda
engine coolant recycling process and chemicals. Use only Ford
Rotunda recycled engine coolant or an equivalent non-Ford
Rotunda recycled engine coolant that is certified by the supplier
to meet Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[MC11100(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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
289
%*
[MC13700(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC13800(ALL)01/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking
brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC13900(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
[MC14000(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
[MC14100(ALL)09/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0050021-B
The automatic transmission dipstick
[MC14200(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid
has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough fluid to bring the
level above the bottom hole. The fluid level should be
rechecked at normal operating temperature.
[MC14230(ALL)09/96]
If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid level is above
the bottom hole on the dipstick, do not add fluid. Recheck the
fluid level after your vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

290
[MC14260(ALL)09/96]
Normal operating temperature is reached after driving
approximately 20 miles (32 km). The fluid level should be
within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
%*
[MC14300(ALL)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC14400(ALL)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick. Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
*
[MC14500(ALL)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (0.25 liter) increments through the filler
tube to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC14600(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.
*
[MC14700(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always use Motorcraft MERCONHor equivalent
MERCONHautomatic transaxle fluid when you refill
your automatic transaxle fluid.
%*
[MC14800(ALL)01/96]
Battery
[MC14900(ALL)09/96]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery normally does not
require additional water during its life of service. However, for
severe service usage or in high temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles
(40,000 km). Keep the electrolyte in each cell up to the ºlevelª
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cell. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
291
[MC15000(ALL)09/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire
brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done cleaning
them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top of each
battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC15100(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
[MC15200(ALL)09/96]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement while
under warranty, it will be replaced with a Motorcraft service
battery, identical in design technology. Like the original
equipment battery, it should not require water addition during
its normal life of service; however, for severe service usage or in
high temperature climates, check your battery electrolyte level,
at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles (40 000 km). Do not
overfill the battery cell.
*
[MC15400(ALL)05/96]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do not use hard
water (water with a high mineral or alkali content). If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled water. If
the battery needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
%*
[MC15500(ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC15600(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
293
%*
[MC16200(ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
[MC16300(ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wipers at least twice a year. Also check
them whenever they seem less effective than usual. Such
substances as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wipers.
*
[MC16400(ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
[MC16500(ALL)01/96]
Your wipers have a service feature that allows you to pull the
wiper arms and blades away from the windshield and into an
upright position. This service position allows you easy access to
the blades from either side of your vehicle.
*
[MC16600(ALL)01/96]
To reach the wiper blades easily, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to OFF. Moving the
wipers manually may damage them.
[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.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
295
*
[MC18200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
[MC18500(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0050224-A
Rotating the tires
*
[MC18600(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has the optional full-size spare tire, you may
rotate the spare tire into the rotation pattern.
[MC18700(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may remove the
full-size (if equipped) spare tire from the wheel and remount it
on an aluminum wheel to rotate the spare tire into your
vehicle's rotation pattern.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996