1998 FORD WINDSTAR engine

211
Driving
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[GF00200(ALL)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF00300(ALL)01/96]
When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
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[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.
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[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[GF01000(ALL)01/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
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[GF01100(ALL)05/96]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
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[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

Driving
215
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[GF03600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
[GF03700(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, check brake fluid level, then
have the brakes checked immediately. They may not be
working properly.
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[GF03800(ALL)02/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
%*
[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
%*
[GF04400(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
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[GF04500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
217
% [GF05200(ALL)01/96]
Brake-Shift Interlock Safety Feature
[GF05300(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a special brake-shift interlock safety feature
which prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) without the
brake pedal depressed. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park)
position, the ignition must be in the ON position and your foot
must be pressing on the brake pedal.
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[GF05400(ALL)01/96]
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
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[GF05500(ALL)01/96]1.
Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
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[GF05600(ALL)01/96]2.
Apply the parking brake.
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[GF05700(ALL)05/96]3.
Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position
(OFF).
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[GF05800(ALL)01/96]4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
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[GF05900(ALL)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate
procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown
and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin this Owner
Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
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[GF06000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF06100(ALL)05/96]
Backing Up
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[GF06200(ALL)01/96]
Before shifting into or out of R (Reverse), you should always
come to a complete stop.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

218
%*
[GF06300(ALL)05/96]
Driving
[GF06400(ALL)01/96]
When to use N (Neutral)
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[GF06500(ALL)09/95]
In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are not locked. Your
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
[GF06600(ALL)01/96]
When to use
jOverdrive
[GF06700(ALL)01/96]
Overdrive is the normal driving position. When the gearshift
lever is placed in
jOverdrive, and the Overdrive Off button
has not been pressed, the vehicle will automatically upshift to
second, third and fourth gears. The transaxle will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is reached.
% [GF06800(ALL)01/96]
When to use D (Drive) Ð with the Overdrive Off button
activated
[GF06900(ALL)01/96]
You will notice that there is only one drive position on your
gearshift indicator (instead of Drive and Overdrive). However,
you will find a button and an indicator light located on the
gearshift lever. Push in the button on the end of the lever and
the OVERDRIVE OFF light on the end of the gearshift lever will
illuminate. With the OVERDRIVE OFF light illuminated, the
transaxle will operate in first, second and third gears and will
not shift into fourth gear. Operating in Drive (OVERDRIVE OFF
light illuminated) provides more engine braking than Overdrive
for descending hills or city driving.
[GF07000(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0050058-A
Overdrive button location
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
219
[GF07100(ALL)01/96]
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive operation, press
the OVERDRIVE ON/OFF button again. Use this button to
select Overdrive or Overdrive Off whenever you drive your
vehicle.
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[GF07200(ALL)01/96]
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
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[GF07300(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started, there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction. Contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
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[GF07400(ALL)05/96]
When to use 2 (Second)
[GF07500(ALL)01/96]
Use 2 (Second) when driving on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position
provides Second and First gear operation only.
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[GF07600(ALL)01/96]
When to use 1 (First)
[GF07700(ALL)05/96]
Use 1 (First) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from First can be made by manually
shifting to 2 (Second) or
j(Overdrive). 1 (First) gear provides
only first gear operation. If you select First while driving at
higher speeds, the transaxle will shift to 2 (Second), and then
downshift to 1 (First) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper
speed.
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[GF07800(ALL)01/96]
Parking
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[GF07900(ALL)01/96]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels
from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P (Park)
position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
225
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[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
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[GF13100(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF13200(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[GF13300(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
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[GF13400(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
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[GF13500(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
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[GF13600(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
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[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
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[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
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

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
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[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.
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[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[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