light FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Repair Manual

Maintenance and Care
279
*
[MC06700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[MC06800(ALL)01/96]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[MC06900(ALL)05/96]
Brake Fluid
*
[MC07000(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
*
[MC07100(ALL)01/96]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
[MC07200(ALL)07/96]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the master
cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
Add fluid if level is 0.30" or more below the MAX line.
*
[MC07300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
*
[MC07400(ALL)01/96]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
%*
[MC07500(ALL)03/96
]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the filler cap
from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or DOT 3
equivalent fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

282methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[MC08700(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Windshield washer fluid contains methanol which is
poisonous.
[MC08800(ALL)01/96]
When adding windshield washer solution, be sure to observe all
warnings indicated on the washer solution container.
%*
[MC08900(ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
[MC09100(ALL)01/96]
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 ºFULL COLDª mark.
*
[MC09200(ALL)05/96]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[MC09300(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
*
[MC09400(ALL)05/96]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
299
[MC20800(ALL)08/96]
Snow Chains
[MC20900(ALL)08/96]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use chains with your tires. Use
tire chains with P205/70R15 tires only.
*
[MC21100(ALL)01/96]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[MC21200(ALL)01/96]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ºSª chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[MC21300(ALL)01/96]
n
Put chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC21400(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[MC21500(ALL)01/96]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC21600(ALL)01/96]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
[MC21800(ALL)01/96]
Be sure:
[MC21900(ALL)01/96]
n
The chains are fully tightened
[MC22000(ALL)01/96]
n
The vehicle is driven below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
[MC22100(ALL)01/96]
n
The vehicle is lightly loaded
[MC22200(ALL)01/96]
n
To avoid sharp turns
*
[MC22300(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
301
[MC23100(ALL)08/96]3.
To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the cap with the
notches on the filler pipe. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
*
[MC23200(ALL)08/96]4.
Push the fuel door closed.
[MC23250(ALL)08/96]
If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes on and stays on
when you start the engine, the fuel cap may not be properly
seated. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it,
being careful to align the cap properly. For more information,
seeWarning lightsin the Index.
*
[MC23300(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
%*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96
]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
*
[MC23500(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
[MC24100(ALL)08/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC24200(ALL)08/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by
federal law. Any vehicle damage may not be covered by your
warranty.
[MC24300(ALL)08/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is not available when you
refuel, your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels.
However, even though your engine will perform adequately on
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

302other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices
and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage
caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for
may not be covered by your warranty.
*
[MC24400(ALL)08/96]
Octane recommendations
[MC24500(ALL)08/96]
Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines
labeled as ºregularª in high altitude areas that are sold with
octane ratings of 86 or even less.
*
[MC24600(ALL)08/96]
6 pica art:0040193-A
Typical octane rating label
*
[MC24601(ALL)08/96]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on
the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
%*
[MC24900(ALL)05/96]
Fuel quality
*
[MC25000(ALL)08/96]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists,
see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[MC25100(ALL)08/96]
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high
quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA
specification if they are available.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

308
*
[MC30500(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.
*
[MC30600(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not remove the floor carpet in your vehicle. Emission
controls cause high exhaust temperatures under the floor.
*
[MC30700(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Under extreme conditions excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, the interior floor covering,
or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
*
[MC30900(ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke and loss of oil
pressure. Also watch for the charge warning light, the check
engine light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emission system is not working properly.
*
[MC31000(ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC31100(ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases
vehicles, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. In some of the United States and in
Canada, vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control
device is removed or is prevented from working.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

310
%*
[MC31700(ALL)03/96
]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC31800(ALL)07/96]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies that additional mixed city and highway driving is
required to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC31825(ALL)07/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready condition consist
of a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving as
described below:
*
[MC32000(ALL)07/96]
n
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and go, city type
traffic with at least four idle periods.
*
[MC32100(ALL)07/96]
n
At least ten minutes of driving on an expressway or
highway.
*
[MC32200(ALL)07/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the engine must be
warmed up and at operating temperature. Once started, the
vehicle must not be turned off during these driving modes.
[MC33200(ALL)01/96]
Lights
*
[MC33300(ALL)01/96]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights
frequently:
*
[MC33400(ALL)01/96]
n
headlamps
*
[MC33500(ALL)01/96]
n
tail lamps
*
[MC33600(ALL)01/96]
n
brakelamps
*
[MC33700(ALL)01/96]
n
hazard flasher
*
[MC33800(ALL)01/96]
n
turn signals
*
[MC33900(ALL)05/96]
n
license plate lamps
*
[MC34000(ALL)01/96]
n
fog lamps
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
311
%*
[MC34100(ALL)01/96]
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if:
*
[MC34200(ALL)01/96]
n
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your
vehicle's high beams when you do not have the high beams
on
*
[MC34300(ALL)01/96]
n
the headlamps do not seem to give you enough light to see
clearly at night
*
[MC34400(ALL)01/96]
n
the headlamp beams are not pointed slightly down and to
the right
% [MC34500(ALL)04/96]
Replacing the Headlamp Bulb
*
[MC34600(ALL)03/96]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs. When the
lamp burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole
lamp.
*
[MC34700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out
of children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic
base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand
could cause the bulb to break the next time the
headlamps are operated.
*
[MC34800(ALL)01/96]
Do not remove the burned out bulb unless you can immediately
replace it with a new one. If a bulb is removed for an extended
period of time, contaminants may enter the headlamp and affect
its performance.
[MC34900(ALL)04/96]
To remove the headlamp bulb:
*
[MC35000(ALL)01/96]1.
Make sure that the engine is off and the headlamp switch on
the instrument panel is in the OFF position.
[MC35100(ALL)01/96]2.
Lift the hood and locate the headlamp bulb installed in the
rear of the headlamp. Remove the electrical connector from
the bulb by pulling the connector away from the bulb
assembly.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

316
[MC37700(ALL)01/96]
33-1/2 pica art:0050019-E
Light bulb locations
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
319
%*
[MC38700(ALL)04/96]
Cleaning Your Vehicle
%*
[MC38800(ALL)01/96]
Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle
*
[MC38900(ALL)01/96]
Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with
a mild detergent.
*
[MC39000(ALL)01/96]
DO NOT:
*
[MC39100(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash your vehicle with hot water
*
[MC39200(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight
*
[MC39300(ALL)01/96]
n
Wash your vehicle while the body is hot
*
[MC39400(ALL)01/96]
Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint,
especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as
necessary to keep it clean.
*
[MC39500(ALL)01/96]
Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical
industrial fallout.
*
[MC39600(ALL)01/96]
Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in
paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement
in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford
has authorized its dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner,
the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout
within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.
*
[MC39700(ALL)01/96]
Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the
finish.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996