check engine light FORD WINDSTAR 1996 1.G User Guide

Warning Lights and Gauges
85
%*
[LG10861(ALL)01/95]
Air Bag Readiness Light
[LG10871(ALL)11/93]
This light indicates that the Air Bag system is not functional
and needs to be serviced. The light illuminates for
approximately six seconds when the ignition is turned to the
ON position to verify that the indicator bulb is working. If the
light fails to illuminate, flashes continuously, or remains on,
have the air bag system serviced as soon as possible.
[LG10881(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050153-B
The air bag readiness light
%*
[LG10901(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
[LG10911(ALL)11/93]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged. The
light comes on briefly during the display self-test every time
you turn your ignition key to the ON position. The light will go
off when the key is turned to the START position. The light
should stay off when the self-test is done if the engine is
running and the alternator is charging.
*
[LG10913(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
[LG10915(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050149-B
The charging system light
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

86
%*
[LG10921(ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
[LG10932(ALL)02/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists
of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the
operation of the powetrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain control system
during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the
Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.
[LG10941(ALL)11/93]
6 pica art:0050065-B
The check engine warning light
*
[LG10949(ALL)05/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect
operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar
alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running
wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.
[LG10955(ALL)02/95]
The light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to
ON, but it should turn off when the engine starts. If the light
does not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it
comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem
with one of the vehicle's emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG10960(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while
you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is
misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the
first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed
in.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
87
*
[LG10962(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are
driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition
corrected itself.
*
[LG10965(ALL)05/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an
engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the
Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was
misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After
refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after
the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles
without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists
of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient
temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
*
[LG10968(ALL)05/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not
necessary to have the engine serviced.
[LG10969(ALL)02/95]
Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Check
Engine Warning Light comes on and you suspect that the fuel
cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is
safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the
fuel cap, making sure it is properly seated.
[LG10970(ALL)02/95]
After completing three (3) consecutive warm up cycles and on
the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth
engine re-start, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a
qualified technician.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
89
% [LG11001(ALL)02/95]
Oil Pressure Light
[LG11005(ALL)06/94]
6 pica art:0050150-B
The oil pressure light
[LG11010(ALL)11/93]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. The light will come on briefly during the display
self-test every time you turn your key to the ON position. The
light will go off when the key is turned to the START position.
The light should stay off when the self-test is done if the engine
is running with normal oil pressure. If the light comes on while
the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued
operation will cause severe engine damage.
*
[LG11020(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG11030(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG11040(ALL)11/94]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
[LG11050(ALL)06/94]3.
Check the engine's oil level. (See ªChecking and Adding
Engine Oilº in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter of this
Owner Guide.) If you do not follow these instructions, you
or others could be injured. To ensure an accurate reading,
your vehicle should be on level ground.
[LG11060(ALL)10/93]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate
the engine if the light is on regardless of the oil level.
Contact your nearest dealer for further service.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
91
% [LG11255(ALL)03/94]
Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
[LG11257(ALL)11/93]
This light indicates that the level of your washer fluid is low,
and you have to add more fluid. This light comes on briefly
after you turn your ignition key from the START to the ON
position. If the washer fluid is low, a one second chime will
sound and the light will remain on for 60 seconds. If the washer
fluid is not low, the light should turn off a few seconds after
the engine has started. The light and chime also come on if the
washer fluid is low when you use your windshield washers.
[LG11258(ALL)03/94]
The washer fluid is only checked when the engine is started or
the windshield washers are in operation. The light will not
come on if the fluid level becomes low while you are driving
unless you turn on the windshield washers.
[LG11260(ALL)12/93]
6 pica art:0050062-B
The low windshield washer indicator light
*
[LG11265(ALL)06/95]
Speed Control Indicator
[LG11270(ALL)05/95]
A SPEED CONTROL light is displayed in the optional electronic
instrument cluster when the speed control system is engaged.
The display will turn off when the brake pedal is pressed or if
speed control is shut off.
*
[LG11275(ALL)05/95]
This display does not indicate any problems with the speed
control, but is simply a convenient way of knowing when it is
active.
File:wnlgs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:25:03 1996

Driving Your Windstar
241
*
[DR06800(ALL)01/93]
Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
*
[DR06900(ALL)01/94]
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from
completely locking up by automatically releasing and
re-applying the brakes. During ABS braking, slight brake pedal
pulsations may be felt on the driver's foot. These pulsations
represent the rapid cycling of the ABS valves. The pedal
pulsations are considered normal ABS operation, and will stop
when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
%*
[DR07000(ALL)12/93]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS system cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
*
[DR07100(ALL)12/93]
The ABS system has self-check capabilities. The system turns on
the ABS warning light each time you start the engine. After the
engine is started and the ABS warning light turns off, the
system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches
4 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
system performs a self test. This is a normal part of the self test
feature. If a malfunction is found during this check, the ABS
warning light will come on.
[DR07150(ALL)12/93]
6 pica art:0050147-B
The anti-lock brake system light
*
[DR07200(ALL)12/93]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS system. Heavy braking on roads with loose
surfaces such as snow or gravel, or roads with severe pavement
irregularities could also cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:48 1996

262
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery, and to avoid
injury to yourself, follow these directions for preparing your
vehicle to jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
[RE01500(ALL)02/95]
To prepare your vehicle for jump-starting:
[RE01600(ALL)02/95]1.
Use only a 12-volt battery to jump-start your vehicle. Your
vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to use a
12-volt jumper system. You can damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if you connect
them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt batteries
in series or a 24-volt motor generator set).
*
[RE01700(ALL)03/95]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the vehicle that needs a
jump-start. You could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[RE01800(ALL)03/95]3.
Park the second vehicle close to the hood of your vehicle,
but make sure the vehicles do not touch each other. Set the
parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the engine
cooling fan.
*
[RE01900(ALL)03/95]4.
Check the battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[RE02000(ALL)01/93]5.
Turn on the heater blower in both vehicles. Turn off all other
switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent possible
damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
File:wnres.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:18:21 1996

301
Servicing Your Windstar
*
[SV01300(ALL)03/95]
How Ford Makes Servicing Your Vehicle
Easy
*
[SV01400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV01500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[SV01600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[SV01700(ALL)01/93]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[SV01800(ALL)01/95]
n
When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
[SV01900(ALL)03/94]
n
We give you aMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet that
makes tracking routine service for your vehicle easy.
*
[SV02000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[SV02100(ALL)03/94]
If you need professional servicing, see the chapter onCustomer
Assistancein this Owner Guide.
[SV02200(ALL)02/95]
Check yourWarranty InformationBooklet to find out which parts
are covered.
%*
[SV02300(ALL)03/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[SV02400(ALL)01/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
*
[SV02500(ALL)03/95]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts.
*
[SV02600(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

318
[SV16400(ALL)02/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0050073-D
Engine oil dipstick
*
[SV16500(ALL)02/95]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADD 1 QT.º line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil
level is beyond the letter ªFº in FULL, engine damage or
high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
*
[SV16600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[SV16700(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[SV16800(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
%*
[SV16900(ALL)01/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV17200(ALL)04/95]
Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
additional information.
% [SV18200(ALL)12/93]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
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Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996

Servicing Your Windstar
319
*
[SV18300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV18320(ALL)05/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[SV18400(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV18500(ALL)02/95]
Checking the engine coolant
[SV18600(ALL)11/93]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant
reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant
should stay slightly above the ªFULL COLDº mark.
*
[SV18700(ALL)01/95]
Adding engine coolant
*
[SV18900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18920(ALL)05/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
File:wnsvs.ex
Update:Tue Mar 19 08:16:43 1996