2001 FORD WINDSTAR coolant temperature

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel cap
Introduction
5

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
Odometer
Registers the total kilometers
(miles) of the vehicle.
Trip odometer
Registers up to 1 600 kilometers (1
000 miles) of individual journeys. To
display, depress the control. To
reset, depress and hold the control
for 2 seconds. To set back to
odometer, depress the control again.
TEMP
H
mi
mi trip
Instrumentation
16

²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, thelight may not illuminate.
²When the key is turned to the 4 (ON) position, the fuel pump is
actuated for a few seconds equalizing the fuel pressure for proper
starting.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12ÉC
(10ÉF) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
3
2
1
5
4
Starting
165

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]):
²it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²it is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
Maintenance and care
220

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
²3.8L OHV V6 engine
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the 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.
Maintenance and care
221

lubrication
specifications ..................259, 261
refill capacities ........................258
service points ..........................210
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................211
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................211
checking and adding ..............211
dipstick ....................................211
filter, specifications ........213, 257
recommendations ...................213
refill capacities ........................258
specifications ..................259, 261
Exhaust fumes ..........................166
F
Floor mats .................................101
Fluid capacities .........................258
Fuel ............................................236
calculating
fuel economy ....................25, 240
cap .....................................12, 238
capacity ...................................258
choosing the right fuel ...........238
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................243
detergent in fuel .....................240
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................236, 238, 240
filter, specifications ........240, 257
fuel pump shut-off switch .....186
gauge .........................................15
improving fuel economy ........240
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ...................239, 261
quality ......................................239
running out of fuel .................240safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................236
Fuses ..................................187±188
G
Garage door opener ..............90, 97
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......12, 238
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................240
Gauges .........................................14
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
fuel gauge ..................................15
odometer ...................................16
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....178
calculating ...............................180
definition .................................178
driving with a heavy load ......178
location ....................................178
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............178
calculating .......................178, 180
definition .................................178
driving with a heavy load ......178
location ....................................178
H
Hazard flashers .........................186
Head restraints .................119, 122
Headlamps ...................................27
aiming ..............................250±251
autolamp system .......................29
bulb specifications ..................250
Index
280