2002 FORD WINDSTAR octane

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the light
should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap
Illuminates when the fuel cap is not
installed correctly. Check the fuel
cap for proper installation. When
the fuel filler cap is properly
re-installed, the light(s) will turn off
after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with
the check fuel cap light on, can activate theService Engine Soon/Check
Enginewarning light.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Instrument Cluster
11

If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
260

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº indicator may come on. For more information on
the ªCheck Engineº indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
261

²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
Maintenance and Specifications
263

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transaxle
(4F50N)Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3 ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsMotorcraft CV
Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-2 ESP-M1C207-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.8L OHV V6 engine
Cubic inches 232
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS
Compression ratio 9.36:1
Maintenance and Specifications
280

idle speed control ...................249
lubrication
specifications ..................279±280
refill capacities ........................278
service points ..........................244
starting after a collision .........201
Engine block heater .................178
Engine oil ..................................246
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................246
checking and adding ..............246
dipstick ....................................246
filter, specifications ........248, 277
recommendations ...................248
refill capacities ........................278
specifications ..................279±280
Exhaust fumes ..........................178
F
Floor mats ...................................96
Fluid capacities .........................278
Fuel ............................................257
calculating fuel economy .......262
cap .....................................11, 259
capacity ...................................278
choosing the right fuel ...........260
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................265
detergent in fuel .....................261
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................257, 259, 262
filter, specifications ........262, 277
fuel pump shut-off switch .....201
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........262
low fuel warning light ..............14
octane rating ...........260, 280±281
quality ......................................261
running out of fuel .................261safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................257
Fuses ..................................203±204
G
Garage door opener ..............82, 96
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 259
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................262
Gauges .........................................16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................193
calculating ...............................194
definition .................................193
driving with a heavy load ......193
location ....................................193
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................193
calculating .......................193±194
definition .................................193
driving with a heavy load ......193
location ....................................193
H
Hazard flashers .........................201
Head restraints .................129, 133
Headlamps ...................................67
aiming ..................................69±70
autolamp system .......................67
bulb specifications ....................73
Index
289

overdrive off ..............................14
safety belt .................................12
traction control active ..............13
traction control off ...................13
turn signal indicator .................15
Load limits .................................193
GAWR ......................................193
GVWR ......................................193
trailer towing ..........................193
Locks
autolock ...................................121
childproof ................................114
Low tire warning .......................272
Lubricant
specifications .....................279±280
Lumbar support, seats .............132
M
Message center .........................100
english/metric button .............101
system check button ..............101
warning messages ...................102
Mirrors .........................................81
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................88
fold away ...................................89
heated ........................................89
side view mirrors (power) .......88
Motorcraft parts ................262, 277
O
Octane rating ............................260
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................246
Overdrive .............................93, 187P
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ................118
Parking brake ............................181
Parts
(see Motorcraft parts) ..............277
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................142
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................90
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................208
Power door locks ..............113, 121
Power steering ..........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....267
fluid, refill capacity ................278
fluid, specifications .........279±280
R
Rear window defroster ...............66
Relays ........................................203
Remote entry system .......114, 118
illuminated entry ......68, 121±122
locking/unlocking
doors ........................113, 115±117
panic alarm .............................118
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................120
replacing the batteries ...........119
Reverse sensing system ...........190
Roof rack ...................................112
Index
291