check transmission fluid FORD WINDSTAR 2002 2.G Owners Manual

This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Driver's door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Passenger door ajar
Driver rear door ajar
Passenger rear door ajar
Check charging system Warning returns after 10 minutes
Transmission overheated
Check transmission
Low fuel level
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.
Driver Controls
103

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
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 specificationschapter. 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 theLightschapter.
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.
Driver Controls
104

specificationsin this chapter.DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
269

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).
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 this 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.
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 Specifications
270

in rear seat ......................165, 167
tether anchorage
hardware .................................168
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............237
exterior ....................................241
instrument cluster lens ..........239
instrument panel ....................239
interior .....................................239
plastic parts ............237±238, 240
safety belts ..............................240
washing ....................................235
waxing .....................................235
wheels ......................................236
windows ..................................240
wiper blades ............................238
woodtone trim ........................238
Clock ..........................22, 31, 37, 48
Compass, electronic ............88, 107
Console ........................................94
overhead ....................................82
Controls
power seat ...............................130
Coolant
checking and adding ..............252
refill capacities ................256, 278
specifications ..................279±280
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................90
Cupholder(s) .............................134
Customer Assistance ................200
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................241
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................227
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............231Getting roadside
assistance ................................200
Getting the service
you need .................................225
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................232
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................228
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............231
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................67
Defrost
rear window ..............................66
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................269
engine oil .................................246
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........279
power sliding ............................83
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................192
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................218
Emission control system ..........265
Engine ................................280±281
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................237
coolant .....................................252
Index
288

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....15, 141, 144, 146, 148
Safety defects, reporting ..........234
Safety
restraints ...........141, 144, 146, 148
belt minder .............................150
cleaning the safety
belts .................................154, 240
extension assembly ................154
for adults .........................146, 148
for children .....................162±163
lap belt ....................................149
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................142
warning light and
chime ...................12, 15, 149±150
Safety seats for children ..........164
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............141
Seats ..........................................129
child safety seats ....................164
cleaning ...................................239
memory seat ...........................132
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............124±126
Servicing your vehicle ..............242
Spark plugs,
specifications .............277, 280±281
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................279±280
Speed control ..............................90
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........175±177
jump starting ..........................218Steering wheel
controls ................................81, 90
tilting .........................................81
T
Tachometer .................................18
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................58
Tire warning ..............................272
Tires ...........................212, 271±272
changing ..................212±213, 215
checking the pressure ............274
replacing ..................................275
rotating ....................................274
snow tires and chains ............276
tire grades ...............................272
treadwear ................................271
Towing .......................................195
recreational towing .................198
trailer towing ..........................195
wrecker ....................................223
Traction control ........................182
active light ................................13
off light ......................................13
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............186
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
lubricant specifications ..........280
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................269
lubricant specifications ..........279
Trip odometer .............................18
Turn signal ............................15, 71
Index
292