towing FORD WINDSTAR 1998 1.G Owners Manual

Driving
223
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[GF11100(ALL)01/96]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
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[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
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[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
%*
[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
*
[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[GF11700(ALL)01/96]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan to pull a trailer, do not include these
ratings into your calculations.
*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
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224
%*
[GF12300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing table
[GF12400(ALL)01/96]
eight pica
chart:0050061-C[GF12500(ALL)01/96]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive, have your vehicle
weighed at a highway weight station or another appropriate
commercial facility. Fill the fuel tank. Weigh the total vehicle
and trailer (if applicable), then separately weigh the vehicle at
the front and rear wheels. Finally, weigh the trailer separately if
applicable.
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[GF12600(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
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[GF12700(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
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[GF12800(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF12900(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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Driving
225
*
[GF13000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
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[GF13100(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF13200(ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[GF13300(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
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[GF13400(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
*
[GF13500(ALL)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
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[GF13600(ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
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[GF13700(ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF13800(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
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226
[GF13900(ALL)04/96]
Trailer brakes
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[GF14000(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF14200(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
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[GF14300(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[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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Driving
227
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[GF14900(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
[GF15000(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[GF15100(ALL)07/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
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[GF15200(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
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[GF15300(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF15400(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
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[GF15500(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF15600(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF15700(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[GF15800(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
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234
%*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Towing a Trailer
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[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
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[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[GF21800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
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[GF21900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
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[GF22000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
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236
[ER01000(ALL)12/95]
13-1/2 pica
art:0051021-A
Fuel pump shut-off switch reset button location
*
[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.
*
[ER01200(ALL)01/96]
If your engine cranks, but does not start after a collision:
*
[ER01300(ALL)01/96]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
*
[ER01400(ALL)03/96]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[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.
*
[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
251
% [ER07700(ALL)04/96]
Changing the Tire
*
[ER07800(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER07900(ALL)05/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll and that
the tires and jack are on a level, solid surface. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
*
[ER08100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a
tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
*
[ER08200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
*
[ER08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the
Air Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or
towing your vehicle.
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260
%*
[ER11000(ALL)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0040176-A
Lug nut tightening sequence
[ER11100(ALL)01/96]
The lug nuts should be tightened to 83-113 ft-lb (113-153 Nm).
*
[ER11200(ALL)01/96]13.
Replace the wheel cover by pressing it into place. If you
have the standard wheel covers, you must align the notch in
the wheel cover with the tire's valve stem and align the
recess in the back of the wheel cover with one of the lug
nuts. If you have the optional aluminum wheel, press the
center wheel cap into place after matching up the design of
the wheel cap to the wheel.
[ER11300(ALL)01/96]14.
Replace the jack in the storage compartment and make sure
the jack is securely fastened.
*
[ER11400(ALL)01/96]15.
Store the flat tire under the vehicle just as you would store
the spare tire. Refer to the section onStowing the Spare Tire
in this chapter.
[ER11500(ALL)01/96]16.
Unblock the wheels.
*
[ER11600(ALL)01/96]
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles
(800 km) of operation, after any wheel change, or any time the
lug nuts are loosened.
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Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

Roadside Emergencies
261
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[ER11700(ALL)01/96]
Stowing the spare tire
[ER11800(ALL)01/96]1.
To raise the tire to the stowed position, lay the tire on the
ground with the interior side facing up. Install the retainer
through the wheel center and slide the tire under the vehicle.
Fit the hex-shaped end of the wheel lug wrench over the hex
nut in the floor of the cargo area. Turn the wheel lug
wrench clockwise until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle.
[ER11850(ALL)08/96]
If your vehicle has 16" wheels, lift one end of the tire, route the
cable end through the center of the wheel and install the 16"
wheel retainer.
[ER11900(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The hex nut ratchets when the tire is raised to the
stowed position. It will not allow you to over-tighten.
*
[ER12000(ALL)01/96]2.
Check for proper seating against the underbody supports
and retighten if necessary.
[ER12100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Check the tire seating position for looseness and make
sure the tire is not too far forward to avoid axle contact.
*
[ER12200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking equipment are
stowed and secured in the proper storage location.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996