1998 FORD WINDSTAR warning

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

214
*
[GF02900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[GF03000(ALL)05/96]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[GF03100(ALL)03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
[GF03200(ALL)01/96]
The parking brake is a hand operated lever located on the floor
of your vehicle just to the right of the driver's seat.
[GF03300(ALL)01/96]
To set the parking brake while parking your vehicle, press the
brake pedal with your right foot and hold it while you fully
apply the parking brake lever.
[GF03400(ALL)01/96]
To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your
right foot, pull up the lever while depressing the release button
on the parking brake lever then lower the lever all the way to
the floor.
[GF03500(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050057-B
The parking brake
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 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

216
%*
[GF04600(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transaxle Operation
%*
[GF04700(ALL)05/96]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[GF04800(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's gearshift lever is on the steering column. The
OVERDRIVE ON/OFF button is located on the end of the
gearshift lever. You can put the gearshift lever in any one of
several positions.
[GF04900(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0050016-A
The steering column gearshift
*
[GF05000(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift
lever from position to position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
*
[GF05100(ALL)01/96]
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position,
gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.
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

Driving
221
*
[GF08850(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
*
[GF08900(ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading Information
*
[GF09000(ALL)01/96]
There are five terms that are used to describe a vehicle's ability
to carry a load:
*
[GF09100(ALL)01/96]
n
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF09200(ALL)01/96]
n
Payload
*
[GF09300(ALL)01/96]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[GF09400(ALL)01/96]
n
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[GF09500(ALL)01/96]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[GF09600(ALL)01/96]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF09700(ALL)01/96]
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF09800(ALL)01/96]
The base curb weight is the weight of the vehicle including fuel,
coolants, lubricants, emergency tools and spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that is standard. It does not
include passengers, cargo or optional equipment installed by
factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[GF09900(ALL)01/96]
Payload
*
[GF10000(ALL)01/96]
Maximum payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight
of cargo, occupants and optional equipment that the vehicle is
designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus
the base curb weight.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

224
%*
[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0050061-C[GF12500(ALL)01/96]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive, have your vehicle
weighed at a highway weight station or another appropriate
commercial facility. Fill the fuel tank. Weigh the total vehicle
and trailer (if applicable), then separately weigh the vehicle at
the front and rear wheels. Finally, weigh the trailer separately if
applicable.
*
[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996