2001 FORD WINDSTAR ECU

4. Rotate the tether strap.
5. Clip the tether strap to the seat
frame.
If the tether strap is clipped
incorrectly (as shown) the child
safety seat may not be retained
properly in the event of a
collision.
6. Rotate the tether strap clip.
7. Refer to the instructions in this
section underInstalling child
safety seats in cinch tongue
combination lap and shoulder belt
seating positionsto secure the
child safety seat.
Seating and safety restraints
159

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
Driving
169

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
Driving
175

When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
Driving
178

All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
Motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged. It is not recommended to
tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front drive wheels on the ground.
It is recommended to tow your vehicle with the drive wheels on a dolly
or two wheel car hauling trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
Maximum load is 75 kg (165 lbs) on the roof rack structure, or 45 kg
(100 lbs) on the roof panel, evenly distributed. If it is not possible to
distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible. Use the tie
down loops to secure the load.
To adjust the cross-bar position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assemblyfrom the roof rack side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both cross-bars
are adjustable).
2. Slide cross-bar to the end of the rail.
3. Use a long, flat object in order to depress the tabs on both ends of the
cross-bar.
4. Slide the assemblies off the end.
To reinstall the cross-bar assemblyto the roof rack side rails:
1. Slide the cross-bar assemblies over the tabs and into the side rails.
2. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Driving
184

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
16 10A Cluster
17 20A Cigar Lighter/Powerpoint, Datalink
Connector
18 15A LH Quarter Window Motor, RH Quarter
Window Motor, RH Window Switch
Backlighting, RH Lock Switch Backlighting,
Master Control Switch (LH) Backlighting,
Radio, Video Cassette Player, Liquid Crystal
Display, Front Electronic Module
19 10A Starter Interrupt Relay (coil)
20 Ð Not Used
21 Ð Not Used
22 10A LH Heated Mirror, RH Heated Mirror
23 20A Body Powerpoint, Auxiliary Blower Relay
#1 and #2 Coils
24 Ð Not Used
25 10A Radio (Anti-theft)
26 10A Airbag Module, Passenger airbag
deactivated indicator, Passenger Seat
Weight Pressure sensor ECU
27 Ð Not Used
28 10A Cluster
29 Ð Not Used
Relay 1 Ð Switched System Power Relay #4
Relay 2 Ð Accessory Delay Relay
Relay 3 Ð Front Blower Motor Relay
Relay 4 Ð Switched System Power Relay #3
Relay 5 Ð Rear Defrost Relay
Relay 6 Ð Auxiliary Blower Motor Relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads.
Roadside emergencies
192

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
208

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod. Your vehicle's hood has
two locations for the prop rod to be placed. These locations provide two
different hood opening positions. Use the location which best suits your
needs.
HOOD
Maintenance and care
209