automatic transmission fluid FORD WINDSTAR 2003 2.G Owners Manual

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
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91012
Maintenance and Specifications
190

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.
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 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and Specifications
212

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
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.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
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
213

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transaxle
(4F50N)Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONV
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3 ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsMotorcraft CV
Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-MIC25B-A1
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
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 MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
223

A
Accessory delay ..........................50
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................111–112, 115
and child safety seats ............113
description ......................112, 115
disposal ....................................117
driver air bag ..................114, 116
indicator light .........................113
operation .........................114, 116
passenger air bag ...........114, 116
side air bag ..............................115
Air cleaner filter .......................220
Air filter, cabin ............................34
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................134–135
Anti-theft system ........................86
arming the system ....................86
disarming a triggered system ..86
Audio system
(see Radio) ................16, 18, 20, 24
Automatic transaxle .................139
fluid, adding ............................212
fluid, checking ........................212
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................224
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................140
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........222
B
Battery .......................................194acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....167
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder .................................106
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ...........................134–135
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................135
fluid, checking and adding ....211
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
parking ....................................135
shift interlock ..........................139
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Calculating load ........................145
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
Cargo net .....................................73
Cassette tape player ...................24
CD-single premium .........16, 18, 20
Cell phone use ............................56
Cellular telephone (see your
Cellular Phone Guide) ................56
Certification Label ....................225
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ......................122, 124
tether anchorage hardware ...125
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............183
instrument panel ....................185
Index
230

interior .....................................185
interior trim ............................185
plastic parts ............................184
washing ....................................182
waxing .....................................182
wheels ......................................183
wiper blades
............................184
Compass, electronic
..............51, 70
Console
........................................55
overhead
....................................46
Controls
power seat
.................................88
Coolant
checking and adding
..............196
refill capacities
................200, 220
specifications
..................222, 224
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
....................53
Cupholder(s)
...............................91
Customer Assistance
................150
Ford accessories for your
vehicle
.....................................186
Ford Extended
Service Plan
............................175
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................179
Getting roadside assistance
...150
Getting the service
you need
.................................173
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................180
The Dispute Settlement
Board
.......................................175
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................178D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................212
engine oil .................................191
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........222
power sliding ............................47
Driving under special
conditions ..................................141
through water .........................144
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................167
Emission control system ..........209
Engine ........................................224
cleaning ...................................183
coolant .....................................196
idle speed control ...................194
lubrication
specifications ..................222, 224
refill capacities ........................220
service points ..........................190
starting after a collision .........151
Engine block heater .................134
Engine oil ..................................191
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................191
checking and adding ..............191
dipstick ....................................191
filter, specifications ........193, 220
recommendations ...................193
refill capacities ........................220
specifications ..................222, 224
Exhaust fumes ..........................134
Index
231

Relays ........................................152
Remote entry system .................77
illuminated entry ..........36, 80–81
locking/unlocking doors .....75, 78
Reverse sensing system ...........142
Roadside assistance ..................150
Roof rack .....................................73
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................98, 101–105
Safety defects, reporting ..........181
Safety restraints ..........98, 101–105
belt minder .............................106
cleaning the safety belts ........110
extension assembly ................109
for adults .........................102–104
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................105
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................99
warning light and chime ........106
Safety seats for children ..........121
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................98
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................121
memory seat .............................90
Servicing your vehicle ..............188
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ............................161–162
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................220, 224
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 224
Speed control ..............................53Starting your vehicle ........131–133
jump starting ..........................167
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tire warning ..............................215
Tires ...................................213–215
changing ..........................161–163
checking the pressure ............217
replacing ..................................218
rotating ....................................217
snow tires and chains ............219
tire grades ...............................214
treadwear ................................214
Towing .......................................146
recreational towing .................149
trailer towing ..........................146
wrecker ....................................172
Traction control ........................135
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............139
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..........224
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................212
lubricant specifications ..........222
Turn signal ..................................38
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................224
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................226
Vehicle loading ..........................144
Ventilating your vehicle ...........134
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Index
234