warning light FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owner's Manual

205
Starting
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[TO00200(ALL)01/96]
Fuel-Injected Engines
[TO00300(ALL)07/96]
Since your vehicle has a fuel-injected engine,the most
important thing to remember is to avoid pressing down on the
acceleratorwhile cranking the engine to start. Only use the
accelerator when you have problems getting your vehicle
started.
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Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other
enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
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[TO00600(ALL)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, always:
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[TO00700(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety
belts. SeeSafety beltsin the Index for more details.
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[TO00800(ALL)01/96]2.
Make sure the headlamps and other accessories are turned
off when starting.
[TO00900(ALL)12/95]3.
Make sure that the gearshift lever is in Park (P) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
[TO01000(ALL)07/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights
on the instrument cluster to make sure that they work. Refer to
theInstrumentationchapter.
[TO01100(ALL)12/95]
Starting the Engine
[TO01200(ALL)12/95]
To start the engine:
[TO01300(ALL)07/96]1.
Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicle.
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[TO01400(ALL)01/96]2.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key
to ON.
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Starting
207
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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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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.
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[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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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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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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2124 mph (6 km/h). A mechanical noise may be heard as the ABS
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.
[GF01500(ALL)01/96]
6 pica art:0050147-B
The anti-lock brake system light
[GF01600(ALL)09/96]
You should always be careful when braking, even if your
vehicle has the ABS. 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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[GF01700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
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[GF01800(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
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[GF01900(ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company has not found any negative effects of
mobile radio transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the ABS system providing that the radio is installed according
to the radio manufacturer's instructions. However, if you have
had a mobile radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately after turning the
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Driving
213 key to the ON position) have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the radio installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated other
than during maximum braking, have your mobile radio
installation checked.
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If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
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[GF02100(ALL)01/96]
If the brake pedal seems ªlowº it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. Apply your parking
brake several times. If the condition has not improved, you
should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
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[GF02200(ALL)01/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes very loud or if it becomes more frequent,
return the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
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RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
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Stopping Distances
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Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when you drive under new conditions
and acquaint yourself with your vehicle's performance.
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Applying the Brakes
[GF02700(ALL)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal evenly. Use the ªsqueezeº technique.
Push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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[GF02800(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
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Driving
215
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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.
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[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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Steering Your Vehicle
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Your vehicle has power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
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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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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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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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Trailer Lamps
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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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232
[GF19800(ALL)09/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving
faster than 20 mph (32 km/h).
[GF19900(ALL)04/96]
RWARNING
The Anti-Lock Brake System may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces.
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High water
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[GF20100(ALL)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
[GF20200(ALL)04/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
[GF20300(ALL)04/96]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly to help dry
the brakes.
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[GF20400(ALL)05/96]
Rocking the Vehicle
[GF20500(ALL)04/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out. Shift in a steady rhythm between forward and
reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator.
If you are still stuck after a few minutes of rocking, call for a
tow truck.
[GF20600(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control,
make sure the system has been turned off before
attempting to rock the vehicle.
[GF20700(ALL)07/96]
SeeTraction Control Off Lightin theInstrumentationsection of
this guide for more information.
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[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.
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[ER01600(ALL)01/96]4.
Turn the ignition key to the ON position for a few seconds,
then turn it to the OFF position.
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[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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262
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Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
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[ER12400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's battery may discharge if you leave the lights or
any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster battery
to start your vehicle.
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[ER12500(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
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[ER12600(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
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[ER12700(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
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[ER12800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
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[ER12900(ALL)02/96]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996