FORD WINDSTAR 1999 2.G Owners Manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 25
Seating and safety restraints 105
Starting and driving
Starting 147
Driving 151
Roadside emergencies 167
Servicing
Maintenance and care 188
Capacities and specifications 236
Reporting safety defects 242
Index 243
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including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Copyright
r1998 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

ICONS
Indicates a safety alert. Read the
following section onWarnings.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
Indicates a message regarding child
safety restraints. Refer toSeating
and safety restraintsfor more
information.
Indicates that this Owner Guide
contains information on this subject.
Please refer to the Index to locate
the appropriate section which will
provide you more information.
Introduction
2

WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
Introduction
3

40
4080
120
16020
12345
6
760
80100
MPH RPMX1000 THEFT
TRAC
ACTIVE TRAC
OFFTEM
FFUEL
E
km/h
BRAKE
mi
O/D
OFF
PAUTO
Headlamp control
(pg. 25)
Speed control*
(pg. 70) Driver side air
bag
(pg. 124) Turn signal and
wiper/washer control
(pg. 74)Instrument
cluster
(pg. 6)
Instrument panel
dimmer control
(pg. 25)
Instrumentation
4

P
H
FM1ST
REW FFSCAN
BASS TREB SEL BALTAPE DISC
EJ CD
FADEAUTO
CLK
SIDE 1-2 COMP SHUFFLEEJ
MUTE
VOL - PUSH ON
SEEK
TUNE AM FM
12 3456
DOLBY B NR
A/C
FRONT
REAR
OFFMAX
A/C
REAR
CONT
OFF
T/C
O/D
ON/OFFINFO
SETUP
RESET
STFM1
Climate control
systems
(pg. 27) Gearshift (includes
overdrive button)
(pg. 157)
Electronic sound
system
(pg. 37) Reverse sensing
system*
(pg. 67)
Traction control*
(pg. 153)Message center
controls*
(pg. 14)
* if equipped
Instrumentation
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge. The light comes on when
there is approximately 1/16th of a
tank indicated on the fuel gauge
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information). The ignition must be in the ON position for this
lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after
the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON. It
also illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting the
engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. It will be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for the
duration of the Traction Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
40
4080
120
160
20020
12345
6
760
80100
120MPH RPMX1000 THEFT
TRAC
ACTIVE TRAC
OFFTEMP
H
FFUEL
E
km/h
BRAKE
mi
O/D
OFF
TRAC
ACTIVE

Instrumentation
6

Traction ControlYoff light (if equipped)
This light momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON
position and illuminates when the
Traction Controlysystem has been
disabled (by the driver or as a result
of a system failure). For more
information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Anti-theft system
Refer toSecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
TRAC
OFF
THEFT
Instrumentation
7

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the light
remains on or fails to illuminate,
have the system serviced
immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is
disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the
oil level and add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
ABS
Instrumentation
8

Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position, the engine is off and the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
O/D off
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and
transmission control switch has
been pushed. When the light is on,
the transmission does not shift into
overdrive. If the light does not come on when the transmission control
switch is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have
your vehicle serviced.
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheCheck Engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
!
BRAKE
O/D
OFF
Instrumentation
9

What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, theCheck Enginelight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Enginelight remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
Instrumentation
10