1999 FORD WINDSTAR maintenance

Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Maintenance and care
232

Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive
Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Maintenance and care
233

Cleaning the overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the leather cleaning kit F8AJ-19G253±AA, which is available from your
Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather and
maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner label.
Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency
and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Maintenance and care
234

Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Cleaning the built-in child seat (if equipped)
Clean with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaning products
because they may weaken the safety belt webbing or damage the vinyl
parts of the seat.
The child seat liner is removable and may be machine-washed and air
dried.
Inside windows
Use glass cleaner for the inside windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Maintenance and care
235

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid
1All Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft 5W30
Super Premium
Motor Oil3.0L engine 4.3L
(4.5 quarts)
3.8L engine 4.7L
(5.0 quarts)
Engine coolant
2Without rear
heater14.0L
(14.8 quarts)
With rear heater 15.0L
(15.9 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A All 98.4L
(26.0 gallons)
Automatic
transaxle fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FAll 11.6L
(12.25 quarts)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford Premium Cooling
System Fluid. If your coolant is orange in color, use Ford Extended Life
Engine Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the Maintenance
and Care chapter.
Capacities and specifications
237

Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............218,219,220,221
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................161
Hazard flashers .........................167
Head restraints ...........105,109,110
Headlamps
aiming ........................228,229,230
bulb specifications ..................228
high beam ..............................8,26
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................27
heater only system ...27,28,29,30,
31,32,33,34
rear seat controls .....................35
Hood ..........................................189
Ignition .......................................239
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................223
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................233
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................99
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........70
Lamps
autolamp system .......................27
daytime running light ...............26
headlamps .................................25
headlamps, flash to pass ..........26
instrument panel, dimming .....25
interior lamps ......................85,87
replacing bulbs .........224,226,227
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................74
Liftgate ......................................103Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................7
brake ............................................9
charging system ..........................6
door ajar ....................................10
high beam .................................11
low fuel ........................................6
low washer fluid .......................11
oil pressure .................................8
overdrive off ................................9
safety belt ...................................7
traction control off .....................7
turn signal indicator ...................7
Locks
childproof ..................................80
Lumbar support, seats ......108,109
Message center ......................14,15
system check button ...........15,16
warning messages ................16,21
Mirrors .........................................81
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................80
cleaning ...................................235
fold away ...................................79
heated ........................................79
side view mirrors (power) .......78
Motorcraft parts ........................218
Octane rating ............................217
Odometer .....................................13
Overdrive ..............................75,156
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................95
Parking brake ............................152
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................173
Power door locks ...................79,80
Power steering ..........................154
fluid, checking and
adding ...............................200,201
Index
244

Item Information
Recommended fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity 98.4L (26.0 gallons)
Engine oil capacity-3.0L engine
(includes filter change)4.3L (4.5 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil, Ford
specification WSS-M2C153-G.
Engine oil capacity-3.8L engine
(includes filter change)4.7L (5.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil, Ford
specification WSS-M2C153-G.
Tire size and pressure See Safety Compliance Certification
Label on the driver's side B-pillar.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Coolant capacity (without rear
heater)
114.0L (14.8 quarts)
Coolant capacity (with rear
heater)
115.0L (15.9 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir or dipstick.
Use Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (AX4S)
211.6L (12.25 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford Premium Cooling
System Fluid. If your engine coolant is orange in color, use Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the
Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCONtV approved. Some fluids have been approved as meeting both
MERCONtand MERCONtV requirements and will be labeled as such.
Fluids labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only MERCONtV
requirements must not be used interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONt
and MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the
dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
248