1998 FORD WINDSTAR engine

Maintenance and Care
287
*
[MC12400(ALL)01/96]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[MC12500(ALL)01/96]3.
Then turn the engine off.
*
[MC12600(ALL)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir.
[MC12700(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050163-A
The power steering fluid cap
[MC12800(ALL)01/96]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until the fluid is
between the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) lines on
the dipstick. Do not overfill.
[MC12900(ALL)01/96]6.
Make sure the cap is free of all dirt prior to re-installing to
prevent pump damage.
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288
*
[MC13000(ALL)01/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford Specification
ESW-M2C33-F, such as Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid,
E6AZ-19582-AA or an equivalent Type F Automatic Transaxle
Fluid with a Ford registration number (an 8-digit number
beginning with º2Pª printed on the fluid container).
*
[MC13100(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your
vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid.
This can damage the power steering pump.
*
[MC13200(ALL)01/96]
If you must check the power steering fluid when it is cold,
make sure that the fluid reaches at least the minimum (MIN)
mark. The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature
is approximately 70Ê to100ÊF (21Ê to 38ÊC).
%*
[MC13300(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[MC13400(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, you need to change the fluid at
30,000 miles (48,000 km) for normal operating conditions or
21,000 miles (34,000 km) for severe duty. However, if the
transaxle is not working properly (for example, slipping or
shifting slowly), or you notice some sign of fluid leakage, the
fluid level should be checked.
[MC13500(ALL)09/96]
It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating
temperature, after approximately 20 miles (32 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without
having to drive 20 miles (32 km) to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC13600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine
should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
the fluid to cool before checking.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
289
%*
[MC13700(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[MC13800(ALL)01/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing
sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking
brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC13900(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the
indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and
make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the
fluid level.
[MC14000(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
[MC14100(ALL)09/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0050021-B
The automatic transmission dipstick
[MC14200(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid
has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough fluid to bring the
level above the bottom hole. The fluid level should be
rechecked at normal operating temperature.
[MC14230(ALL)09/96]
If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid level is above
the bottom hole on the dipstick, do not add fluid. Recheck the
fluid level after your vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

300
% [MC22400(ALL)08/96]
Filling Your Fuel Tank
[MC22500(ALL)08/96]1.
Turn the engine off. After opening the fuel door (located on
the driver side of the vehicle), remove the cap carefully and
slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/4 turn until it stops.
Pull to remove the cap. A tether attaches the cap to the fuel
filler pipe.
[MC22600(ALL)09/96]
one inch art:0051020-A[MC22700(ALL)08/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until
it stops before completely removing the cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
*
[MC22800(ALL)08/96]2.
Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and put the nozzle
all the way inside the fuel filler pipe.
[MC22900(ALL)08/96]
NOTE: To help reduce early nozzle shutoffs and fuel spillage,
park your vehicle so that the fuel filler door is not
downhill. Do not tilt or turn the nozzle upside down
when filling. Avoid excessively fast fuel dispensing
rates (over 10 gallons [38 liters] per minute).
*
[MC23000(ALL)08/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle,
clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften
the paint if you do not wash it off.
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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
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302other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices
and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage
caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for
may not be covered by your warranty.
*
[MC24400(ALL)08/96]
Octane recommendations
[MC24500(ALL)08/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled as ºregularª in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings of 86 or even less.
*
[MC24600(ALL)08/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[MC24601(ALL)08/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
%*
[MC24900(ALL)05/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC25000(ALL)08/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[MC25100(ALL)08/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
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Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
305
%*
[MC27400(ALL)01/96]
Running Out of Fuel
*
[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
*
[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.
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306
*
[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