towing capacity FORD WINDSTAR 2000 2.G Owners Manual

²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is designed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range:Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door,
lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding
any additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding
weight to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added
to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve
capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front
axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
Driving
174

You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and Front and rear
gross axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these
limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle requires the optional trailer tow
electrical package and may require the use of an additional medium duty
trailer tow option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
Driving
175

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