2001 FORD WINDSTAR Owners Manual

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle).
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Traction Controlyhelps the driver maintain the stability and steerability
of the vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road
surfaces. The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
The system borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements
already present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. The system limits front
wheel spin by automatically applying and releasing the front brakes in
conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
!
BRAKE
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The Traction Controlysystem will assist you in making better use of
available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid which
makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice covered
roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL OK is
displayed on the message center (if equipped). You may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment and the
engine will not ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off with the traction control
switch located on the left hand side
of the radio. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out
or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion of the system will shut down to
prevent the front brakes from overheating. A limited Traction Controly
function using only engine torque reduction will still control wheels from
over-spinning. When the front brakes have cooled down, the system will
again function normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this
condition and will function normally during the cool down period.
If a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center, the ªT/C OFFº warning indicator lamp is on and
your vehicle should be serviced.
AdvanceTracYStability Enhancement System (if equipped)
The AdvanceTracysystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS), Traction Controlyand a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle. The system shares many of
the electronic and mechanical elements already present in the Traction
Controlyand ABS systems.
AdvanceTracyconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver's intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
T/C
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the vehicle. When there is a discrepancy between the driver's inputs and
the vehicle motion, AdvanceTracychanges the force at each tire to help
control the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or
right, spin out, or slide sideways, the system will attempt to correct the
excessive motion. If the vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the
system will attempt to increase the turning response of the vehicle.
AdvanceTracyenhances stability during maneuvers that require all
available tire traction to control the vehicle. The system uses ABS and
Traction Controly(including control of the engine) as well as its more
advanced controls to enhance vehicle stability. The benefits of the
AdvanceTracysystem are most noticeable when driving in wet/snowy/icy
road conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall control
of the vehicle.
Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTracyinclude:
²Taking a turn too fast
²Evasively maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
²Hitting a patch of ice
²Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
²Entering a snow-covered side street from a snow-free road
²Entering a gravel road from a paved road
²Driving on slick surfaces
The AdvanceTracysystem is always ON when the engine is running.
The system does not work when the vehicle is traveling backwards. In
reverse, ABS and Traction Controlywill continue to function.
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTracyto activate, the AdvanceTracywill
disengage speed control. When driving conditions permit you can return
to speed control by pressing ªRESUMEº, refer toªSpeed Controlº
section in theControls and featureschapter.
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The AdvanceTracyon/off control
button allows the driver to control
the availability of the Traction
Controlyand AdvanceTracy
system. This is independent of the
ABS function, which canNOTbe
switched off by the driver.
The AdvanceTracysystem status is
indicated by a ªTRAC ACTIVEº
indicator light in the instrument
cluster that will illuminate when the system is active. If a failure is
detected, the ªTRAC OFFº indicator light will stay ON, vehicles with a
message center (if equipped) will also display the warning ªCHECK
ADVANCETRACº, have the system serviced immediately.
The AdvanceTracysystem continually monitors and checks all sensors
used in improving the stability of the vehicle. Some drivers may notice a
slight movement of the brake pedal when the system checks itself.
During AdvanceTracyoperation you may experience the following:
²A rumble or clicking sound much like ABS or Traction Controly
²A slight deceleration or a reduction in the acceleration of the vehicle
²The ªTRAC ACTIVEº indicator light will illuminate
²If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the pedal
much like ABS. As with any vehicle equipped with four-wheel ABS, do
not pump the brakes, but instead, press firmly on the pedal.
²If your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal will move to apply
higher brake forces. You may also hear a whoosh of air from under the
instrument panel during this kind of braking.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracyoperation.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracyevent
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road and that you may lose control of the vehicle. If
you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
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If you find yourself regularly experiencing AdvanceTracyevents,
you are driving too fast for conditions, you should reduce your
speed, and drive less aggressively. Speed Control should NOT be used
under these conditions. AdvanceTrac is limited by the laws of physics.
It is always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver inputs for the conditions. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracy
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may cause you to lose control of the
vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal injury or property
damage.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
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If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's
brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transaxle may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transaxle and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift and O/D off switch
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness. It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the first
few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy
has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
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Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either
(Overdrive) or with the
O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving
with the gearshift lever in
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the
engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P
(Park).
Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position, gradually
release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary.
Understanding gearshift positions
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness. It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the first
few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy
has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop and
set the parking brake before shifting
into P (Park). Make sure the
gearshift lever is securely latched in
P (Park). This locks the transaxle
and prevent the front wheels from rotating.
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.
O/D
ON/OFF
P R N D 2 1
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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting
into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.
(Overdrive) Ð column mounted gearshift with O/D off switch
The(Overdrive) position with
the O/D OFF switchnotdepressed
is the normal driving position for
this automatic overdrive transaxle.
When your vehicle cruises at a
constant speed for any length of time, this fourth gear will increase your
fuel economy.
(Overdrive) may not be
appropriate for certain terrains. If
the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears
while you are driving hilly roads or
if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, press the O/D
OFF switch.
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº mode when the vehicle is
started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle was
last shut off.
If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly when the
vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D OFF control is
pressed, it means that there is a transaxle electronic system malfunction.
You should contact your dealer as soon as possible or damage to the
transaxle could occur.
O/D
ON/OFF
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