1998 FORD WINDSTAR suspension

Instrumentation
27
% [IS20400(ALL)01/96]
Anti-Theft Active Indicator Light
[IS20500(ALL)07/96]
This indicator is used in the optional Anti-Theft System. See
ªAnti-Theft Systemº in theControls and Featureschapter of this
Owner Guide.
[IS20600(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0050123-B
The anti-theft active indicator light
[IS20700(ALL)01/96]
Air Suspension Warning Light
[IS20800(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0050227-A
The air suspension warning light
[IS20900(ALL)01/96]
The warning light for the Air Suspension indicates one of two
things:
[IS21000(ALL)01/96]1.
The service switch (located in the jack storage area) is in the
ªoffº position.
[IS21100(ALL)01/96]2.
A system malfunction has occurred electronically disabling
Air Suspension function.
[IS21200(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the switch is returned to or in the ªONº position
and the light does not go out after recycling the
ignition switch OFF/ON, the Air Suspension should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
File:03wniss.ex
Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 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

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

222
*
[GF10100(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[GF10300(ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
%*
[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the
maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded
including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
%*
[GF10600(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system.
*
[GF10900(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF11000(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

234
%*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Towing a Trailer
*
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Roadside Emergencies
251
% [ER07700(ALL)04/96]
Changing the Tire
*
[ER07800(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER07900(ALL)05/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll and that
the tires and jack are on a level, solid surface. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
*
[ER08100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a
tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
*
[ER08200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
*
[ER08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the
Air Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or
towing your vehicle.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

258
*
[ER09800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[ER09900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part
of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do
not start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack.
The jack is only meant for changing the tire.
*
[ER10000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never raise your vehicle by using a bumper jack. The
bumper could be damaged or the jack could slip and you
could be injured.
[ER10100(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Never raise your vehicle by placing the jack on the
torsion bar (within axle) or front or rear suspension
components. Serious damage to these components may
occur.
[ER10200(ALL)08/96]6.
Your vehicle may be equipped with one of two types of jack
and handle asemblies. Operation of each type is described as
follows:
[ER10210(ALL)08/96]
a. Separate Lug Nut Wrench and Jack Handle Type.
[ER10220(ALL)08/96]
Insert the jack handle into the jack and slide the tapered end
of the jack handle through the slot in the lug nut wrench.
[ER10230(ALL)08/96]
b. Articulated Hex Handle Type
[ER10240(ALL)08/96]
Remove the handle assembly from the jack retaining bracket.
Swing the hex socket end outward to an approximate right
angle position. Place the hex socket end on the hex nut of
the jack assembly. Turn the handle clockwise to raise the
vehicle off the ground.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

Maintenance and Care
299
[MC20800(ALL)08/96]
Snow Chains
[MC20900(ALL)08/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use chains with your tires. Use
tire chains with P205/70R15 tires only.
*
[MC21100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[MC21200(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ºSª chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[MC21300(ALL)01/96]
n
Put chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC21400(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[MC21500(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC21600(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
[MC21800(ALL)01/96]
Be sure:
[MC21900(ALL)01/96]
n
The chains are fully tightened
[MC22000(ALL)01/96]
n
The vehicle is driven below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
n
The vehicle is lightly loaded
[MC22200(ALL)01/96]
n
To avoid sharp turns
*
[MC22300(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996