1999 FORD WINDSTAR charging

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge. The light comes on when
there is approximately 1/16th of a
tank indicated on the fuel gauge
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information). The ignition must be in the ON position for this
lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after
the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON. It
also illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting the
engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. It will be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for the
duration of the Traction Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
40
4080
120
160
20020
12345
6
760
80100
120MPH RPMX1000 THEFT
TRAC
ACTIVE TRAC
OFFTEMP
H
FFUEL
E
km/h
BRAKE
mi
O/D
OFF
TRAC
ACTIVE

Instrumentation
6

Setup menu
Press this control for the following displays:
²Language
²Units (English/Metric)
²System Check
²Single/Dual Display Mode
Reset
Press this control to select and reset functions shown in the INFO menu
and SETUP menu.
System check
Selecting this function from the
SETUP menu causes the message
center to cycle through each of the
systems being monitored. For each
of the monitored systems, the
message center will indicate either an OK message or a warning message
for three seconds.
Pressing the RESET control cycles the message center through each of
the systems being monitored.
The sequence of the system check report is as follows:
1. oil life in XX%
2. charging system
3. washer fluid level
4. brake fluid level
5. doors closed (driver and passenger side). This message can only be
reset by closing the door(s). If the RESET control is pressed, PLEASE
CLOSE DOOR will be displayed.
6. rear liftgate status
7. exterior lamps (headlamps, front turn, brake, tail and cornering/side
repeater lamp status)
8. traction control (if equipped)
9. fuel level
10. distance to empty
Instrumentation
15

The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
RESET control and clearing the warning message.
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
²They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
²They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Driver's door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Passenger door ajar
Driver rear door ajar
Passenger rear door ajar
Check charging system Warning returns after
10 minutes
Transmission overheated
Check transmission
Low fuel level
Liftgate ajar Warning returns after the
ignition key is turned from OFF
to ON Low brake fluid level
Check tail lamps
Check headlamps
Check rear turn lamps
Check front turn lamps
Check cornering/side repeater lamps
(if equipped)
Change oil soon
Oil change required
Check traction control
Low washer fluid
Check turn signal on reminder
Instrumentation
17

DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver's door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side door is
not completely closed.
DRIVER'S REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver's rear door
is not completely closed.
PASSENGER REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side
rear door is not completely closed.
LIFTGATE AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate is not completely closed.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed when you have approximately 1/16th of
a tank indicated on the fuel gauge.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission service as
soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS.Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center
high-mount brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK HEADLAMPS.Displayed when the headlamps are activated
and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as safely
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing
headlamp bulbsin theMaintenance and carechapter.
Instrumentation
18

²Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check
function. Press RESET to start
the System Check.
²Press and hold the RESET
control.
²Press RESET and SETUP
controls for personalized setting.
²After a successful reset, the
message center will display OIL
LIFE RESET TO 100%.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
²Fuel Computer
²Oil life
²Charging system
²Door sensor
²Liftgate sensor
²Exterior lamps
²Traction control
²Washer fluid
²Brake Fluid
²Compass
²Outside temperature
Contact your dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on a
regular basis.
%
%
%
Instrumentation
20

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
206

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Maintenance and care
222

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