2001 FORD WINDSTAR check transmission fluid

One of the following conditions may exist:
²low brake fluid level in the reservoir.
²Brake force distribution system failure. The ABS light will also
illuminate if this condition is present.
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

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 (if equipped)
Check advancetrac (if equipped)
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
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
Instrumentation
20

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
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 possible and
have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing headlamp bulbs
in 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 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
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 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).
LOW WASHER FLUID.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer toWindshield
washer fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped).Displayed when the
Traction Controlysystem is not operating properly. If this warning stays
on, contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction controlyin theDrivingchapter.
CHECK ADVANCETRAC (if equipped).Displayed when the
AdvanceTracysystem is not operating properly. If this message is
displayed on the message center the AdvanceTracysystem might be
Instrumentation
21

5. 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.
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).
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
222

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.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
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
223

exterior ............................252±253
exterior lamps .........................254
instrument cluster lens ..........255
instrument panel ....................255
interior .............................255±257
mirrors .....................................254
plastic parts ............................253
safety belts ..............................256
washing ....................................252
waxing .....................................253
wheels ......................................253
windows ..................................256
wiper blades ............................254
woodtone trim ........................256
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ..........................42, 50, 59, 73
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................24
Console ......................................101
overhead ....................................96
Controls
power seat ...............................120
Coolant
checking and adding ..............215
refill capacities ................220, 258
specifications ..................259, 261
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................79
Cupholder(s) .............................123
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................272
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................264
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............271
Getting roadside assistance ...185Getting the
service you need ....................264
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................275
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................267
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............270
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................38
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................222
engine oil .................................211
Doors
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........259
power sliding ............................98
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................178
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................202
Emission control system ..........243
Engine ........................................261
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................254
coolant .....................................215
idle speed control ...................227
Index
279

cleaning the
safety belts ......................143, 256
extension assembly ................139
for adults .........................135±137
for children .....................151±152
lap belt ....................................138
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................132
warning light and
chime ...............9, 13±14, 139±140
Safety seats for children ..........153
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............131
Seats ..........................................119
child safety seats ....................153
cleaning ...........................256±257
memory seat .............89, 109, 122
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............113±115
Servicing your vehicle ..............208
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................257, 261
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................259, 261
Speed control ..............................79
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle ........163, 165
jump starting ..........................202
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................84T
Tachometer .................................15
Tires ...........................196, 230±232
changing ..................196±197, 199
checking the pressure ............233
replacing ..................................234
rotating ....................................233
snow tires and chains ............235
tire grades ...............................231
treadwear ................................231
Towing .......................................180
recreational towing .................183
trailer towing ..........................180
wrecker ....................................207
Traction control ..................78, 169
active light ..................................8
off light ........................................9
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............173
fluid, refill capacities ..............258
lubricant specifications ..........261
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................222
lubricant specifications ..........259
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ........................9, 14, 82
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................261
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................263
Vehicle loading ..........................178
Ventilating your vehicle ...........166
Index
283