1998 FORD WINDSTAR maintenance

Maintenance and Care
297
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[MC19400(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not replace your tires with ºhigh performanceª tires
or larger size tires.
*
[MC19500(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Use of aftermarket wheel assemblies may damage your
vehicle or cause accidents resulting in serious injuries.
*
[MC19600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect
the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose
control and roll over.
*
[MC19700(ALL)01/96]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may affect the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer.
%*
[MC19800(ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
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[MC19900(ALL)01/96]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality
Grade (described below) molded into the tire's sidewall. These
Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has set.
*
[MC20000(ALL)01/96]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on
this vehicle. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (254-305 mm) or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[MC20100(ALL)01/96]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire quality grades:The
U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
299
[MC20800(ALL)08/96]
Snow Chains
[MC20900(ALL)08/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use chains with your tires. Use
tire chains with P205/70R15 tires only.
*
[MC21100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[MC21200(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ºSª chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[MC21300(ALL)01/96]
n
Put chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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[MC21400(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[MC21500(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC21600(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
[MC21800(ALL)01/96]
Be sure:
[MC21900(ALL)01/96]
n
The chains are fully tightened
[MC22000(ALL)01/96]
n
The vehicle is driven below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
n
The vehicle is lightly loaded
[MC22200(ALL)01/96]
n
To avoid sharp turns
*
[MC22300(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
301
[MC23100(ALL)08/96]3.
To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the cap with the
notches on the filler pipe. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
*
[MC23200(ALL)08/96]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
[MC23250(ALL)08/96]
If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes on and stays on
when you start the engine, the fuel cap may not be properly
seated. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it,
being careful to align the cap properly. For more information,
seeWarning lightsin the Index.
*
[MC23300(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96
]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[MC23500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
[MC24100(ALL)08/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC24200(ALL)08/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by
federal law. Any vehicle damage may not be covered by your
warranty.
[MC24300(ALL)08/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels.
However, even though your engine will perform adequately on
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
303
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[MC25200(ALL)08/96]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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[MC25300(ALL)08/96]
Cleaner air
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[MC25400(ALL)08/96]
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality,
including reformulated gasolines, that contain oxygenates such
as a maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be
no more than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to
protect the fuel system.
%*
[MC26300(ALL)01/96]
Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels
*
[MC26400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
*
[MC26500(ALL)01/96]
Gasoline and other automotive fuels are extremely flammable.
Turn your vehicle off and do not smoke while refueling your
vehicle. Keep sparks and other sources of ignition away from
fuels.
[MC26600(ALL)01/96]
Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Never
attempt to siphon any fuel by mouth.
[MC26700(ALL)01/96]
If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control
center immediately.Do not delay calling a physician merely
because no adverse effects are noticed at first; the toxic effects
of fuels may not become apparent for many hours.
*
[MC26800(ALL)01/96]
If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. If a
gasoline-methanol blend is swallowed, induce vomiting under
the direction of a physician or poison control center.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
305
%*
[MC27400(ALL)01/96]
Running Out of Fuel
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[MC27500(ALL)08/96]
If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on level ground
away from traffic. Add at least one gallon (4 liters) of fuel to
start your vehicle again. If your vehicle is not on level ground,
you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters) of fuel to start
it.
[MC27600(ALL)01/96]
You may need to turn the ignition to START several times
before engaging the starter (leaving it in that position several
seconds each time) before the fuel system starts to pump fuel
from the tank to the engine.
%*
[MC27700(ALL)03/96]
Fuel Economy
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[MC27800(ALL)01/96]
Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle
and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per
100 Kilometers (L/100K).
[MC27900(ALL)01/96]
To calculate the fuel economy:
*
[MC28000(ALL)01/96]1.
Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer
reading.
*
[MC28100(ALL)01/96]2.
Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or
liters) purchased.
[MC28200(ALL)01/96]3.
Divide the total number of miles that you have driven by
the total number of gallons that your vehicle has used. This
will give you the average numbers of miles per gallon.
[MC28300(ALL)01/96]
In metric, multiply the number of liters used by 100 and
divide the answer by the number of kilometers traveled. This
will give you the number of liters used per 100 km.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

306
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[MC28400(ALL)01/96]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
[MC28500(ALL)01/96]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and therefore are estimates
which may not reflect the actual conditions you experience. The
tests also do not exactly duplicate your personal style of
driving, including all your stops, starts, and lane changes. Other
factors that may affect fuel economy include using the air
conditioning, driving speed, vehicle load and tire inflation
pressure. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee
that you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
%*
[MC28600(ALL)01/96]
Improving Fuel Economy
[MC28700(ALL)01/96]
You can improve the fuel economy for your vehicle in three
ways:
[MC28800(ALL)07/96]1.
Maintain your vehicle effectively. A well-tuned, properly
maintained vehicle gives you better fuel economy. Follow the
schedules for maintaining your vehicle that are in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet.
[MC28900(ALL)04/96]2.
Drive your vehicle efficiently. Change your driving habits to
conserve fuel:
[MC29000(ALL)04/96]
n
Do not drive with your foot on the brake.
[MC29100(ALL)04/96]
n
Watch traffic so that you do not have to stop suddenly.
[MC29200(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not accelerate suddenly. Drive at a steady speed
whenever you can.
[MC29300(ALL)04/96]
n
Do not let the engine idle for a long time.
[MC29400(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not carry loads that are too heavy. To find out the limits
for the loads that your vehicle can carry, seeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
307
[MC29500(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep the tires properly inflated. To find out the
recommended tire pressure, seeChecking the pressure of the
tireslater in this chapter.
[MC29600(ALL)01/96]
n
Use your air conditioning system wisely. To find out about
fuel economy and air conditioning, seeClimate control systems
in the Index.
[MC29700(ALL)01/96]
In addition to your individual driving habits, optional
equipment, such as air conditioning, can have a significant effect
on fuel economy. Various aftermarket add-on items that increase
aerodynamic drag can also reduce fuel economy.
%*
[MC29800(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC29900(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[MC30000(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[MC30100(ALL)01/96]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC30200(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC30300(ALL)01/96]
n
Never turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
[MC30400(ALL)07/96]
n
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedulebooklet
performed according to the specified schedule. The scheduled
maintenance services are required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emission system.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
309
%*
[MC31200(ALL)01/96
]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service of the emission
control devices or systems in your new Ford Motor Company
vehicle or engine may be performed at your expense by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive
parts equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[MC31300(ALL)01/96]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement
parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements or
for the service of components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner's
responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[MC31400(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you service your
vehicle. If the metal collector contacts any of your vehicle's
plastic trim or bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC31500(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
*
[MC31600(ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emissions control system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on or
near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and
gives some tune-up specifications.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996