FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual

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Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
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[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
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[GF10300(ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
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[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the
maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded
including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
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[GF10600(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
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[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system.
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[GF10900(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
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[GF11000(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
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Driving
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When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
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[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
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[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
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[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
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[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
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[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
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[GF11700(ALL)01/96]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan to pull a trailer, do not include these
ratings into your calculations.
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[GF11900(ALL)01/96]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
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[GF12000(ALL)01/96]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
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[GF12100(ALL)01/96]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
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[GF12200(ALL)01/96]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
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Trailer towing table
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0050061-C[GF12500(ALL)01/96]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive, have your vehicle
weighed at a highway weight station or another appropriate
commercial facility. Fill the fuel tank. Weigh the total vehicle
and trailer (if applicable), then separately weigh the vehicle at
the front and rear wheels. Finally, weigh the trailer separately if
applicable.
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[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
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[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
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[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
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[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
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[GF13100(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF13200(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
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[GF13300(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
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[GF13400(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
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[GF13500(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
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[GF13600(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
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[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
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[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
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Trailer brakes
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Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
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[GF14100(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
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[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
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[GF14300(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
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[GF14400(ALL)01/96]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
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[GF14500(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
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[GF14600(ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
[GF14700(ALL)09/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (72 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
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[GF14800(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
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[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
[GF15000(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[GF15100(ALL)07/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
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[GF15200(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
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[GF15300(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
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[GF15400(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
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When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
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[GF15600(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
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[GF15700(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
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[GF15800(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
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When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, turn the selector
knob to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner
compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time.
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[GF16000(ALL)01/96]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[GF16100(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold.
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[GF16200(ALL)01/96]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[GF16300(ALL)01/96]3.
With the chocks in place, release the foot service brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF16400(ALL)01/96]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the service brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while applying the parking
brake lever with your right hand.
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[GF16500(ALL)01/96]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
[GF16600(ALL)01/96]
Complete the following steps to start your vehicle after it has
been parked on a grade:
[GF16700(ALL)01/96]1.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold.
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[GF16800(ALL)03/96]2.
Start the engine.
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[GF16900(ALL)01/96]3.
Shift the gearshift lever into gear and release the parking
brake.
[GF17000(ALL)01/96]4.
Release the foot service brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
[GF17100(ALL)01/96]5.
Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold while another
person retrieves the chocks.
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Four Season Roof Rack (If equipped)
[GF17300(ALL)12/95]
Always load your luggage as far back as it will safely go on the
four season roof rack. Do not load more than 165 pounds
(75 kg) on the roof rack structure or 100 pounds (45 kg) on the
roof panel slats. Be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR front and rear). The GVWR and GAWR are
located on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on
the driver's door pillar).
[GF17400(ALL)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0050109-A
The four season roof rack
[GF17500(ALL)12/95]
The rear cross-bar can be adjusted forward and backward. Place
your luggage between the bars, adjust the rear bar, and secure
the luggage with rope to the bars. Items carried on the roof
rack must be properly secured before driving your vehicle.
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10-1/2 pica
art:0050032-B
The adjustable cross-bar
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Driving Under Special Conditions
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Tips for Safe Driving
[GF17900(ALL)04/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use greater care until
you become accustomed to its features and driving
characteristics.
[GF18000(ALL)04/96]
Always operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Abrupt
changes in acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of
these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated, especially when road conditions vary.
[GF18100(ALL)04/96]
For example, even with anti-lock brakes, extreme braking can
make it difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Use a
ªsqueezeº technique. Push on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to brake, yet continue to
roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel.
[GF18200(ALL)04/96]
If you release the accelerator abruptly or brake hard while
going too fast around a severe curve, your vehicle may change
its direction of travel. Avoid applying the brakes, if possible. If
you must apply the brakes, use the ªsqueezeº technique
described earlier.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

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Wheel Spin
[GF18400(ALL)01/96]
Extreme acceleration can cause the front wheels to spin,
resulting in reduced steering control. If the wheels spin during
vehicle start-up, shift to 2 (Second) gear. Move forward slowly
and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking the vehicle.
% [GF18500(ALL)04/96]
Driving at High Speeds
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[GF18600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
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[GF18700(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
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[GF18800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Driving in Bad Weather
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[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads.
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[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
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Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
[GF19300(ALL)04/96]
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Drive more slowly than you would normally.
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[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
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Do not use speed control.
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[GF19500(ALL)01/96]
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Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF19600(ALL)04/96]
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Use the ªsqueezeº technique for braking as described in
previous braking sections.
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[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996