1998 FORD WINDSTAR service

92
[CF15300(ALL)12/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts
so that you don't damage the starter. The key should return to
the ON position when you release it. The START position also
allows you to test the brake warning light.
%*
[CF15400(ALL)03/96]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[CF15500(ALL)12/95]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key
from the ignition. The LOCK feature helps to protect your
vehicle from theft, because it also locks the steering wheel and
the gearshift lever when the key is removed.
%*
[CF15600(ALL)01/96]
If your key is stuck in the LOCK position, and you are unable
to turn it, move your steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
*
[CF15700(ALL)01/96]
To remove your key from the ignition:
[CF15750(ALL)09/96]1.
Maintain firm pressure on the service brake and set parking
brake fully. (This will avoid ªbindingº or ªloadingº the
powertrain, which may result in an objectionable noise
during park disengagement.)
[CF15800(ALL)09/96]2.
Put the gearshift lever in P (Park).
*
[CF16000(ALL)06/96]3.
Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
*
[CF16100(ALL)03/96]4.
Remove the key.
[CF16200(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
When you leave your vehicle, set the parking brake fully,
place the gearshift lever in P (Park), and shut off the
engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do
not take these precautions, your vehicle may move
suddenly and injure someone.
File:05wncfs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:20:34 1996

Controls and Features
99 only upshift and downshift from 1st through 3rd gears. The
vehicle will always return to the overdrive operation mode
when the ignition is turned off and back on.
[CF21000(ALL)01/96]
If the lamp does not come on when the Overdrive ON/OFF
button is depressed or if the lamp flashes when you are driving,
have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the transaxle.
%*
[CF21200(ALL)05/96]
Horn
[CF21300(ALL)01/96]
To sound the horn, press the center of the steering wheel. Check
the horn regularly to make sure it operates properly.
[CF21400(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050017-A
The horn pad
File:05wncfs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:20:34 1996

170
*
[SS20100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[SS20200(ALL)04/96]
If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the severity of the impact
and activates the air bags if necessary. The air bag system is
designed to deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions more
severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight)
head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses
the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal
collisions at speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the
air bag.
*
[SS20300(ALL)05/96]
When the sensors activate the system, the air bags inflate
rapidly, filling with non-toxic nitrogen gas in a fraction of a
second. Immediately after inflation, the air bags deflate by
releasing the nitrogen gas through vent holes. The whole
process takes place in a matter of seconds.
*
[SS20400(ALL)07/96]
RWARNING
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation.
Do not touch them after inflation.
File:06wnsss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:48:20 1996

Seating and Safety Restraints
173
*
[SS20800(ALL)05/96]
To ensure that the air bag system will operate as intended in a
crash, the system is equipped with a diagnostic module, which
controls a readiness lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical system,
the air bag readiness light, the air bag power and the air bag
inflators.
*
[SS20900(ALL)03/96]
The air bag supplemental restraint system uses a readiness light
and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally.NOTE:Maintenance of the air bag system
is not required.
%*
[SS21000(ALL)05/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
*
[SS21100(ALL)05/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay illuminated,
*
[SS21200(ALL)05/96]
n
or it will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned
on,
%*
[SS21300(ALL)05/96]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
[SS21400(ALL)12/95]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air
bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer
immediately.
%*
[SS21500(ALL)05/96]
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
[SS21600(ALL)12/95]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be
disposed of by qualified personnel.
File:06wnsss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:48:20 1996

Starting
209
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[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