1998 FORD WINDSTAR check engine

Instrumentation
11
%*
[IS01300(ALL)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
[IS01400(ALL)12/95]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the Mechanical
Cluster. All of these indicators alert you to the status of vehicle
systems or possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the
lights listed are optional. The following section explains each of
the indicators.
[IS02100(ALL)12/95]
Warning and Indicator Lights
%*
[IS02200(ALL)03/96]
Brake System Light
[IS02300(ALL)07/96]
The warning light for the brakes indicates two things Ð that
either the parking brake is on or not fully released, or that the
brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid to the reservoir as defined under
the procedure in ªMaintenance and Care.º
[IS02400(ALL)08/96]
6 pica art:0050144-C
The brake system light
[IS02500(ALL)07/96]
The BRAKE light normally comes on when you turn the
ignition key to the ON or START position to verify that the
indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on or comes on
when the engine is running and after you have released the
parking brake fully, check the brake fluid.
*
[IS02600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 1996

Instrumentation
15
*
[IS04800(ALL)05/96]
Under certain conditions, the Service Engine Soon Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Service
Engine Soon Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap
is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the cap,
making sure it is properly seated.
*
[IS04900(ALL)05/96]
After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on
the fourth engine start up, the Service Engine Soon Warning
Light should turn off. If the light does not go off after the
fourth engine re-start, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer
or a qualified technician.
%*
[IS05000(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
[IS05100(ALL)07/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged. The
light illuminates briefly during the display self-test every time
you turn your ignition key to the ON position. The light will go
off when the key is turned to the START position. The light
should stay off when the self-test is done if the engine is
running and the alternator is charging.
*
[IS05200(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
[IS05300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050149-B
The charging system light
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 1996

16
% [IS05400(ALL)08/96]
Oil Pressure Light
[IS05500(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050150-B
The oil pressure light
[IS05600(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light should come on every time your ignition key
is turned to ON or START, and should go out when the engine
starts. If the light stays on or turns on while the engine is
running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will
cause severe engine damage.
*
[IS05700(ALL)08/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[IS05800(ALL)08/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[IS05900(ALL)08/96]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
[IS06000(ALL)08/96]3.
Check the engine's oil level. (See ªChecking and Adding
Engine Oilº in theMaintenance and Carechapter of this
Owner Guide.) If you do not follow these instructions, you
or others could be injured. To ensure an accurate reading,
your vehicle should be on level ground.
[IS06100(ALL)08/96]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate
the engine if the light is on regardless of the oil level.
Contact your nearest dealer for further service.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 1996

Instrumentation
19
[IS08300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050154-B
The high beam indicator light
% [IS08400(ALL)09/96]
Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning
(If equipped)
[IS08500(ALL)08/96]
This light indicates that the level of your washer fluid is low,
and you have to add more fluid. This light comes on briefly
after you turn your ignition key from the START to the ON
position. If the washer fluid is low, a one second chime will
sound and the light will remain on for 60 seconds. If the washer
fluid is not low, the light should turn off a few seconds after
the engine has started. The light and chime also come on if the
washer fluid is low when you use your windshield washers.
[IS08600(ALL)08/96]
The washer fluid is only checked when the engine is started or
the windshield washers are in operation. The light will not
come on if the fluid level becomes low while you are driving
unless you turn on the windshield washers.
[IS08700(ALL)08/96]
6 pica art:0050062-B
The low windshield washer indicator light
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 1996

Instrumentation
23
*
[IS12200(ALL)08/96]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
[IS12300(ALL)08/96]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine in this Owner
Guide. Seeengine coolantin the index. If you do not follow
these instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS12400(ALL)08/96]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced as soon as possible.
%*
[IS13600(ALL)08/96]
Speedometer
*
[IS13700(ALL)03/96]
The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per
hour your vehicle is moving.
%*
[IS14200(ALL)08/96]
Odometer
*
[IS14300(ALL)01/96]
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has been
driven.
%*
[IS14700(ALL)01/96]
Trip Odometer
%*
[IS14800(ALL)05/96]
The trip odometer records the distance of individual trips.
Before each trip, set the trip odometer to zero by pushing the
reset control.
[IS14900(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0050155-C
The speedometer, odometer and trip odometer
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 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

Starting
209
*
[TO04300(ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked by a
qualified technician whenever:
*
[TO04400(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO04500(ALL)01/96]
n
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO04600(ALL)01/96]
n
your vehicle has been damaged in an accident
[TO04700(ALL)12/95]
If the exhaust system has any indications of leaks it should be
repaired immediately.
*
[TO04800(ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air intake vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other objects.
[TO04900(ALL)12/95]
If the engine idles while you are stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch. Also,
adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in outside air.
*
[TO05000(ALL)01/96]
Read the sectionClimate Control Systemsfor instructions on
bringing fresh outside air into your vehicle. Refer to the Index.
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