check engine light FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual

Instrumentation
11
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[IS01300(ALL)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
[IS01400(ALL)12/95]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the Mechanical
Cluster. All of these indicators alert you to the status of vehicle
systems or possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the
lights listed are optional. The following section explains each of
the indicators.
[IS02100(ALL)12/95]
Warning and Indicator Lights
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[IS02200(ALL)03/96]
Brake System Light
[IS02300(ALL)07/96]
The warning light for the brakes indicates two things Ð that
either the parking brake is on or not fully released, or that the
brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid to the reservoir as defined under
the procedure in ªMaintenance and Care.º
[IS02400(ALL)08/96]
6 pica art:0050144-C
The brake system light
[IS02500(ALL)07/96]
The BRAKE light normally comes on when you turn the
ignition key to the ON or START position to verify that the
indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on or comes on
when the engine is running and after you have released the
parking brake fully, check the brake fluid.
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[IS02600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
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Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 1996

Instrumentation
15
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Under certain conditions, the Service Engine Soon Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Service
Engine Soon 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 cap,
making sure it is properly seated.
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[IS04900(ALL)05/96]
After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on
the fourth engine start up, the Service Engine Soon 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.
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[IS05000(ALL)01/96]
Charging System Light
[IS05100(ALL)07/96]
This light indicates that your battery is not being charged. The
light illuminates 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.
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[IS05200(ALL)03/96]
If the light stays on or illuminates when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
[IS05300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050149-B
The charging system light
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16
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Oil Pressure Light
[IS05500(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050150-B
The oil pressure light
[IS05600(ALL)12/95]
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 should come on every time your ignition key
is turned to ON or START, and should go out when the engine
starts. If the light stays on or turns on while the engine is
running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will
cause severe engine damage.
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[IS05700(ALL)08/96]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
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[IS05800(ALL)08/96]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
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[IS05900(ALL)08/96]2.
Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage
could result.
[IS06000(ALL)08/96]3.
Check the engine's oil level. (See ªChecking and Adding
Engine Oilº in theMaintenance and Carechapter 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.
[IS06100(ALL)08/96]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.
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Update:Fri Oct 11 10:45:38 1996

Instrumentation
19
[IS08300(ALL)12/95]
6 pica art:0050154-B
The high beam indicator light
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Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning
(If equipped)
[IS08500(ALL)08/96]
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.
[IS08600(ALL)08/96]
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.
[IS08700(ALL)08/96]
6 pica art:0050062-B
The low windshield washer indicator light
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Starting
207
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[TO02500(ALL)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the
brake pedal.
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[TO02600(ALL)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two attempts:
[TO02700(ALL)04/96]1.
Turn the key to the OFF position and wait about two
minutes.
*
[TO02800(ALL)01/96]2.
Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
[TO02900(ALL)12/95]3.
Turn the key to the START position.
[TO03000(ALL)12/95]4.
Release the key when the engine starts.
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[TO03100(ALL)03/96]5.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
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[TO03200(ALL)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been activated. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
[TO03300(ALL)12/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle rpm. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idling rpm normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly
faster than when the engine is at its normal warm engine idle
speed. It should, however, slow down when the vehicle warms
up. If it does not, have the idle rpm checked.
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[TO03400(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:45:28 1996

211
Driving
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Brakes
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When the foot (service) brake pedal is depressed, the
high-mount brake lamp should illuminate.
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Front Disc Brakes
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The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[GF00600(ALL)01/96]
Rear Disc Brakes (If equipped)
[GF00700(ALL)01/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They only require
periodic inspection for pad wear.
[GF00800(ALL)01/96]
The rear disc parking brakes need to be adjusted manually.
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[GF00900(ALL)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[GF01000(ALL)01/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs through normal use of the brakes.
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Four-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes
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[GF01200(ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF01300(ALL)09/96]
During ABS activation, a mechanical noise may be heard as the
ABS cycles. This is normal ABS operation.
[GF01400(ALL)09/96]
The ABS 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
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
215
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[GF03600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
[GF03700(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, check brake fluid level, then
have the brakes checked immediately. They may not be
working properly.
*
[GF03800(ALL)02/96]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal
brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly.
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[GF04100(ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
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[GF04200(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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[GF04300(ALL)01/96]
Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme right or left
position for more than five seconds if the engine is running.
This can damage the power steering pump.
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[GF04400(ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
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[GF04500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, have the front suspension
and steering checked for possible damage.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

236
[ER01000(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0051021-A
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
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[ER01100(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to
start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the
vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing
service.
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[ER01200(ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
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[ER01300(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
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[ER01400(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ER01500(ALL)01/96]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the fuel pump shut-off
reset button down. If the red button is already set, you may
have a different mechanical or electrical problem.
*
[ER01600(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
*
[ER01700(ALL)01/96]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If there is no fuel,
you can try to start your vehicle again.
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[ER01800(ALL)03/96]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

Roadside Emergencies
263
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[ER13000(ALL)02/96]
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.
[ER13100(ALL)01/96]
To prepare your vehicle for jump-starting:
[ER13200(ALL)01/96]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).
[ER13300(ALL)04/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the vehicle that needs a
jump-start. You could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
[ER13400(ALL)04/96]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.
[ER13500(ALL)04/96]4.
Check the battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
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[ER13600(ALL)01/96]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.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

269
Maintenance and Care
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How Ford Makes Servicing Your Vehicle
Easy
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[MC00300(ALL)01/96]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[MC00400(ALL)01/96]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[MC00500(ALL)01/96]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[MC00600(ALL)01/96]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in your engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[MC00700(ALL)03/96]
n
When possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
[MC00800(ALL)07/96]
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We give you aMaintenance Schedulebooklet that makes
tracking routine service for your vehicle easy.
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[MC00900(ALL)01/96]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
[MC01000(ALL)01/96]
If you need professional servicing, see the chapter onCustomer
Assistancein this Owner Guide.
[MC01100(ALL)01/96]
Check yourWarranty InformationBooklet to find out which parts
are covered.
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[MC01200(ALL)01/96]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[MC01300(ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
[MC01400(ALL)04/96]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts.
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[MC01500(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996