2003 FORD WINDSTAR octane

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
“Regular”unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as“Regular”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.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Regular”unleaded
gasoline.“Premium”unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
204

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’Choice
logo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”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:
•You 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.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on. For more information on
the“Check Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Maintenance and Specifications
205

Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
Maintenance and Specifications
206

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
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Wagon mm (in) Van mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5102 (200.9) 5102 (200.9)
(2) Overall width 1945 (76.6) 1945 (76.6)
(3) Overall height
*1733 (68.2) 1728 (66.1)
(4) Wheelbase 3066 (120.7) 3066 (120.7)
(5) Track - Front 1643 (64.3) 1643 (64.3)
(5) Track - Rear 1600 (63.0) 1600 (63.0)
*Equipped with P225/60R16 tires.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

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

K
Keyless entry system .................81
autolock .....................................81
Keys
positions of the ignition .........131
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................35
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................40
cargo lamps ...............................36
daytime running light ...............35
headlamps .................................35
headlamps, flash to pass ..........36
instrument panel, dimming .....36
interior lamps .....................38–39
replacing bulbs .............40, 42–43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................38
Liftgate ..................................72–73
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........135
Load limits .................................144
GAWR ......................................144
GVWR ......................................144
trailer towing ..........................144
Locks
autolock .....................................81
childproof ..................................76
Low tire warning .................13, 215
Lubricant specifications ...222, 224
Lumbar support, seats ...............89
M
Message center ...........................62english/metric button ...............63
system check button ................63
warning messages .....................65
Mirrors .........................................46
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................51
fold away ...................................52
heated ........................................52
side view mirrors (power) .......51
Motorcraft parts ................205, 220
O
Octane rating ............................204
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................191
Overdrive ...................................139
P
Parking brake ............................135
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....220
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................99
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................53
Power adjustable foot pedals .....53
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................157
Power door locks ..................75, 81
Power mirrors .............................51
Power point .................................50
Power steering ..........................138
fluid, checking and adding ....211
fluid, refill capacity ................220
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
Power Windows ...........................50
R
Radio ..........................16, 18, 20, 24
Index
233