1998 FORD WINDSTAR light

Seating and Safety Restraints
169
*
[SS19500(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the
air bag cover that may come in contact with an inflating
air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase
the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.
*
[SS19600(ALL)05/96]
For further information about the proper mounting of
equipment in the front seat of this vehicle, please refer to Ford's
brochure entitledSome Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint Systemwhich can be obtained by calling
Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356. Ask for brochure FPS-8602.
*
[SS19700(ALL)05/96]
For additional important safety information on the proper use of
seat belts, child seats, and infant seats, please read the other
sections of this chapter of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitledSafety Belts for ChildrenandSafety Seats for Children.
%*
[SS19800(ALL)05/96]
How Does the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
Work?
*
[SS19900(ALL)05/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists of the
driver and passenger air bags, impact sensors, a system
diagnostic module, a readiness light and tone, and the electrical
wiring which connects the components.
[SS20000(ALL)04/96]
The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel and is
indicated by the letters ªSRS.º The right front passenger seat air
bag is in the upper right-hand section of the instrument panel
ledge above the glove compartment. The letters ªSRSº appear
there. Both air bags are designed to stay out of sight until they
are activated.
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

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

206
*
[TO01500(ALL)12/95]3.
DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when starting your
engine. DO NOT use the accelerator until after the engine is
running and you are ready to drive away.
[TO01600(ALL)12/95]4.
Turn the key to the START position until the engine starts.
(Release the key after the engine has started and it will
return to the ON position.)
[TO01700(ALL)12/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering
wheel slightly to relieve any binding.
%*
[TO01800(ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
*
[TO01900(ALL)01/96]
n
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If the engine does
not start infifteen (15) secondson the first try, turn the key
to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
*
[TO02000(ALL)01/96]
n
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the engine does not
start infive (5) secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the
engine, then try again.
*
[TO02100(ALL)01/96]
For a warm engine:
*
[TO02200(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF
position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try
again.
*
[TO02300(ALL)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
[TO02400(ALL)09/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds.Keep
your foot on the brake pedalandplace the gearshift lever in
gear. Release the parking brake,put the gearshift lever in gear,
slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in the normal
manner.
File:08wntos.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:45:28 1996

Starting
207
*
[TO02500(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
*
[TO02600(ALL)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two attempts:
[TO02700(ALL)04/96]1.
Turn the key to the OFF position and wait about two
minutes.
*
[TO02800(ALL)01/96]2.
Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
[TO02900(ALL)12/95]3.
Turn the key to the START position.
[TO03000(ALL)12/95]4.
Release the key when the engine starts.
*
[TO03100(ALL)03/96]5.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
*
[TO03200(ALL)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been activated. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
[TO03300(ALL)12/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle rpm. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idling rpm normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly
faster than when the engine is at its normal warm engine idle
speed. It should, however, slow down when the vehicle warms
up. If it does not, have the idle rpm checked.
*
[TO03400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
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