2003 FORD WINDSTAR weight

•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
Maintenance and Specifications
208

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
226

Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rear air deflector
Side window deflectors
Underbody security lighting
Universal floor mats
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
229

F
Floor mats ...................................57
Fluid capacities .........................220
Fuel ............................................201
calculating fuel economy .......206
cap ...........................................203
capacity ...................................220
choosing the right fuel ...........204
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................209
detergent in fuel .....................205
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................201, 203, 206
filter, specifications ........205, 220
fuel pump shut-off switch .....151
improving fuel economy ........206
octane rating ...................204, 224
quality ......................................204
running out of fuel .................205
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................201
Fuses ..................................152–153
G
Garage door opener ..............46, 58
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............203
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................206
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................144
calculating ...............................145
definition .................................144
driving with a heavy load ......144
location ....................................144
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................144
calculating .......................144–145definition .................................144
driving with a heavy load ......144
location ....................................144
H
Head restraints .....................87, 90
Headlamps ...................................35
aiming ........................................37
autolamp system .......................35
bulb specifications ....................40
daytime running lights .............35
flash to pass ..............................36
high beam .................................36
replacing bulbs .........................40
turning on and off ....................35
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system .....30–31, 33
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .........................58, 61
Hood ..........................................189
I
Ignition ...............................131, 224
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................121
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................210
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................185
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................36
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......167
Index
232