2000 FORD WINDSTAR check transmission fluid

illuminate at these times, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
O/D off
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light
is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to
theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheCheck Engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
O/D
OFF
Instrumentation
11

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
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
Instrumentation
19

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 as an early reminder of a low fuel condition.
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.
CHECK TAIL LAMPS.Displayed when the tail 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.
CHECK FRONT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK REAR TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK SIDE REPEATER LAMPS (if equipped).Displayed when
the turn signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the
lamps as soon as safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
TURN SIGNAL ON REMINDER.Displayed when the turn signal is
activated and the vehicle is driven more that 0.8 km (1/2 mile).
Instrumentation
20

3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
345678
91012
Maintenance and care
206

5.If your vehicle is equipped
with the 3.8L OHV V6 engine,
checkthe fluid level in the reservoir.
It should be between the MIN and
MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the
level is within this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Maintenance and care
218

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
219

Clock ..................................41,49,60
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................23
Console ......................................104
overhead ....................................99
Controls
power seat ...............................121
Coolant
checking and adding ..............211
refill capacities .................215,255
specifications ...................256,257
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Cupholder(s) .............................122
Customer Assistance ................180
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................267
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................260
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............266
Getting roadside assistance ...180
Getting the
service you need ....................260
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................271
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................263
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............266
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................26
Defrost
rear window ..............................37
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................218
engine oil .................................206
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........256
power sliding ..........................101Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................173
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................197
Emission control system ..........239
Engine ........................................257
check engine/
service engine soon light .........11
cleaning ...................................250
coolant .....................................211
idle speed control ...................223
lubrication
specifications ...................256,257
refill capacities ........................255
service points ...................205,206
starting after a collision .........181
Engine block heater .................163
Engine oil ..................................206
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................206
checking and adding ..............206
dipstick ....................................206
filter, specifications .........209,254
recommendations ...................209
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ...................256,257
Exhaust fumes ..........................164
Floor mats .................................104
Fluid capacities .........................255
Fuel ............................................230
calculating fuel economy ..24,235
cap ...........................................233
capacity ...................................255
choosing the right fuel ...........233
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................238
detergent in fuel .....................235
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................230,233,235
filter, specifications .........235,254
fuel pump shut-off switch .....181
Index
274

Seats ..........................................119
child safety seats ....................149
cleaning ............................252,253
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................114,115,116
Servicing your vehicle ..............203
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................254,257
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................256,257
Speed control ..............................82
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle .........161,163
jump starting ..........................197
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................88
Tachometer .................................14
Tilt steering wheel ......................88
Tires ......................191,226,227,228
changing ....................191,192,194
checking the pressure ............228
replacing ..................................229
rotating ....................................228
snow tires and chains ............230
tire grades ...............................227
treadwear ................................227
Towing ................................175,228
trailer towing ..........................175
wrecker ....................................202
Traction control ...................81,167
active light ..................................8off light ........................................9
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............169
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
lubricant specifications ..........257
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................218
lubricant specifications ..........256
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ..........................9,13,85
Vehicle dimensions ...................257
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................259
Vehicle loading ..........................173
Ventilating your vehicle ...........164
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................211
Water, Driving through .............173
Windows
power .........................................89
rear wiper/washer .....................86
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....211
checking and cleaning .....225,226
liftgate reservoir .....................211
operation ...................................86
replacing wiper blades ...........226
Wrecker towing .........................202
Index
277