1998 FORD WINDSTAR ignition

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

205
Starting
%*
[TO00200(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
[TO00300(ALL)07/96]
Since your vehicle has a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid pressing down on the
acceleratorwhile cranking the engine to start. Only use the
accelerator when you have problems getting your vehicle
started.
%*
[TO00400(ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[TO00500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO00600(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, always:
*
[TO00700(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
*
[TO00800(ALL)01/96]2.
Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned
off when starting.
[TO00900(ALL)12/95]3.
Make sure that the gearshift lever is in Park (P) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
[TO01000(ALL)07/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument cluster to make sure that they work. Refer to
theInstrumentationchapter.
[TO01100(ALL)12/95]
Starting the Engine
[TO01200(ALL)12/95]
To start the engine:
[TO01300(ALL)07/96]1.
Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicle.
*
[TO01400(ALL)01/96]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to ON.
File:08wntos.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:45:28 1996

Driving
215
*
[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.
*
[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
*
[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[GF05400(ALL)01/96]
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position
with the brake pedal depressed:
*
[GF05500(ALL)01/96]1.
Shut the engine off and remove the ignition key.
*
[GF05600(ALL)01/96]2.
Apply the parking brake.
*
[GF05700(ALL)05/96]3.
Reinsert the ignition key and turn it to the first position
(OFF).
*
[GF05800(ALL)01/96]4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift lever to N
(Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[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.
*
[GF06000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY
THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF06100(ALL)05/96]
Backing Up
*
[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

220
[GF08000(ALL)01/96]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you can not
rotate it in a clockwise direction without pulling it toward you.
*
[GF08100(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.
*
[GF08200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[GF08300(ALL)05/96]
Forced Downshifts
[GF08400(ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration in
j(Overdrive) (when passing
another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle
will automatically downshift to the appropriate gear (third,
second or first).
*
[GF08500(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading Information
*
[GF08600(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
*
[GF08700(ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
*
[GF08800(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and
rear GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The
GAWR of the front and rear axles exceed the GVWR
when added together.
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

236
[ER01000(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0051021-A
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
*
[ER01100(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
*
[ER01200(ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
*
[ER01300(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[ER01400(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER01500(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
*
[ER01600(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ER01700(ALL)01/96]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no fuel,
you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ER01800(ALL)03/96]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
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