warning light FORD WINDSTAR 2000 2.G User Guide

How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
²An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
²A special seat cover designed to
allow airbag deployment.
²The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.
²Two crash sensors located under
the outboard side of the front
seats, attached to the floor.
Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of
severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected
by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not
occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel
and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in
side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.
Seating and safety restraints
146

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
165

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up or remains on the ABS needs to be
serviced.
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. (If your brake warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull the handle up as
far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
!
BRAKE
!
BRAKE
Driving
166

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's
brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transaxle may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transaxle and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift and O/D off switch
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness. It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the first
few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy
has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
Driving
169

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
Maintenance and care
239

engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights frequently:
²Headlamps
²Turn signals
²Cornering lamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamps
Maintenance and care
240

Accessory delay ..........................90
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........140,141,145
and child safety seats ............142
description .......................141,145
disposal ....................................148
driver air bag ...................143,146
indicator light .............10,144,147
operation ..........................143,146
passenger air bag ............143,146
side air bag ..............................145
Air cleaner filter .......................254
Air conditioning ..........................28
Air filter, cabin ..........................220
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................211
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................165,166
Anti-theft system ......................113
arming the system ..................113
disarming a
triggered system .....................114
warning light ...............................9
Audio system (see Radio) .........38
Automatic transaxle .................169
driving with .............................170
fluid, adding ............................218
fluid, checking ........................218
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specification ..................257
Auxiliary power point ...............116
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........256
Battery .......................................223
acid, treating emergencies .....223
charging system warning light ..8
jumping a disabled battery ....197
maintenance-free ....................223
replacement, specifications ...254
servicing ..................................223
Belt minder ...............................136
Brakes ........................................165anti-lock ............................165,166
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,166
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....210
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specifications ..........256,257
lubricant specifications ...256,257
parking ....................................166
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............81
shift interlock ..........................169
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....255
Cargo net ...................................118
Cassette tape player ...................63
CD changer .................................74
Certification Label ....................259
Child safety restraints ..............148
child safety belts ....................148
Child safety seats ......................149
in front seat ............................150
in rear seat .......................150,153
tether anchorage hardware ...154
Cleaning your vehicle ...............248
engine compartment ..............250
exterior ....................................249
exterior lamps .........................250
instrument panel ....................251
instrument panel lens ............251
interior .......................251,252,253
mirrors .....................................249
plastic parts ............................249
safety belts ..............................252
washing ....................................248
waxing .....................................248
wheels ......................................249
windows ..................................252
wiper blades ............................250
woodtone trim ........................252
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............28
Index
273

Clock ..................................41,49,60
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................23
Console ......................................104
overhead ....................................99
Controls
power seat ...............................121
Coolant
checking and adding ..............211
refill capacities .................215,255
specifications ...................256,257
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Cupholder(s) .............................122
Customer Assistance ................180
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................267
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................260
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............266
Getting roadside assistance ...180
Getting the
service you need ....................260
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................271
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................263
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............266
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................26
Defrost
rear window ..............................37
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................218
engine oil .................................206
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........256
power sliding ..........................101Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................173
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................197
Emission control system ..........239
Engine ........................................257
check engine/
service engine soon light .........11
cleaning ...................................250
coolant .....................................211
idle speed control ...................223
lubrication
specifications ...................256,257
refill capacities ........................255
service points ...................205,206
starting after a collision .........181
Engine block heater .................163
Engine oil ..................................206
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................206
checking and adding ..............206
dipstick ....................................206
filter, specifications .........209,254
recommendations ...................209
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ...................256,257
Exhaust fumes ..........................164
Floor mats .................................104
Fluid capacities .........................255
Fuel ............................................230
calculating fuel economy ..24,235
cap ...........................................233
capacity ...................................255
choosing the right fuel ...........233
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................238
detergent in fuel .....................235
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................230,233,235
filter, specifications .........235,254
fuel pump shut-off switch .....181
Index
274

gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........235
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ....................234,257
quality ......................................234
running out of fuel .................235
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................230
Fuses ...................................182,183
Garage door opener ...............93,99
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............233
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................235
Gauges .........................................14
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
fuel gauge ..................................14
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................14
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....173
calculating ...............................175
definition .................................173
driving with a heavy load ......173
location ....................................173
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............173
calculating ........................173,175
definition .................................173
driving with a heavy load ......173
location ....................................173
Hazard flashers .........................181
Head restraints ..................119,122
Headlamps ...................................26
aiming ...............................246,247
autolamp system .......................28
bulb specifications ..................245
daytime running lights .............26
flash to pass ..............................27
high beam ............................10,26replacing bulbs .......................241
turning on and off ....................26
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................28
heater only system ...................28
rear seat controls .....................36
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .....................93,95,96
Hood ..........................................204
Ignition .......................................257
positions of the ignition ...........81
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................149
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................240
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................251
cluster ...................................8,251
lighting up
panel and interior .....................27
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......197
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................113
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........81
Lamps
autolamp system .......................28
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................245
cargo lamps ...............................27
daytime running light ...............26
headlamps .................................26
headlamps, flash to pass ..........27
instrument panel, dimming .....27
interior lamps ...............98,99,100
replacing bulbs ..240,241,243,244
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................85
Liftgate ...............................117,118
Index
275

Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,166
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ..........................................10
charging system ..........................8
check engine .............................11
door ajar ....................................12
high beam ............................10,12
low fuel ........................................8
low washer fluid .......................13
oil pressure ...............................10
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................9
traction control active ................8
traction control off .....................9
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits .................................173
GAWR ......................................173
GVWR ......................................173
trailer towing ..........................173
Locks
autolock ...................................113
childproof ..................................92
Lubricant specifications ....256,257
Lumbar support, seats .............121
Message center ...........................16
english/metric button ...............17
system check button ................17
warning messages .....................18
Mirrors .........................................93
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................92
cleaning ...................................249
fold away ...................................91
heated ........................................91
side view mirrors (power) .......90
Motorcraft parts .................235,254
Octane rating ............................234
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................206
Overdrive ..............................87,169Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................109
Parking brake ............................166
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....254
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............81
Power adjustable foot pedals .....81
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................187
Power door locks .................91,113
Power steering ..........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....216
fluid, refill capacity ................255
fluid, specifications ..........256,257
Radio ............................................38
Relays ........................................182
Remote entry system ........105,109
illuminated entry ........27,110,113
locking/
unlocking doors ........106,107,108
panic alarm .............................109
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................112
replacing the batteries ...........110
Reverse sensing system .............78
Roof rack ...................................179
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........13,130,131,133,135
Safety defects, reporting ..........272
Safety restraints ...130,131,133,135
belt minder .............................136
cleaning
the safety belts ................139,252
extension assembly ................135
for adults ..........................131,133
for children .............................148
lap belt ....................................134
warning light
and chime .................9,13,135,136
Safety seats for children ..........149
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............130
Index
276