1998 FORD WINDSTAR brake

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
*
[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.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
227
*
[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
*
[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.
File:09wngfs.ex
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.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

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
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

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
*
[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

234
%*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Towing a Trailer
*
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

235
Roadside Emergencies
*
[ER00200(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers to hazardous
situations.
*
[ER00300(ALL)01/96]
The hazard flasher switch operates the same lamps as the turn
signal lever. When the hazard flasher is activated, all of these
lamps will flash on and off. The turn signal indicators cannot be
used when the hazard lamps are flashing. Operation of the
hazard flashers does not affect operation of the brakelamps.
*
[ER00400(ALL)01/96]
The flashers work even with the key out of the ignition. The
flashers will work for up to two hours when the battery is fully
charged and in good condition. They will not drain the battery
excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if
your battery is not fully charged, your battery may be drained
to the point where the vehicle will not start.
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
What To Do If The Engine Does Not Start
%*
[ER00600(ALL)01/96]
Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
*
[ER00700(ALL)03/96]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even
after a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have
been activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
[ER00800(ALL)09/96]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must depress the reset
switch by hand before you can start your vehicle.
[ER00900(ALL)08/96]
The fuel pump shut-off switch reset button is located behind the
trim panel of the driver's left foot.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

Roadside Emergencies
247
[ER05200(ALL)01/96]
17-1/2 pica art:0050215-E
The relay box cover located under the instrument panel
%*
[ER05300(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER05400(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
% [ER05500(ALL)01/96]
Using the Spare Tire
*
[ER05600(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996