maintenance FORD WINDSTAR 2001 2.G Repair Manual

Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray
Lacquer (#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line.
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Maintenance and care
253

Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Never apply anything to the drive belt (including belt dressing).
Maintenance and care
254

²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning the overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Maintenance and care
255

Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, tears or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Maintenance and care
256

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transaxle
(4F50N)Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
Disc brake
caliper railsSilicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundD7AZ-19A331-A
(Motorcraft
WA-10)ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)E43Z-19590-A ESP-M1C207-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
Capacities and specifications
260

Ford Extended Service Plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
²benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items)
²protection against covered repair costs after your Bumper to Bumper
Warranty expires
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage.
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options, or visit the Ford ESP website at
www.ford-esp.com.
Getting the service you need
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada have authorized dealerships to
service your vehicle. When you need warranty repairs your selling dealer
would like you to return to it for that service, but you may also take your
vehicle to another Ford Motor Company or Ford of Canada dealership
authorized for warranty repairs. Certain warranty repairs require special
training though, so not all dealers are authorized to perform all warranty
repairs. That means that depending on the warranty repair needed, the
vehicle may need to be taken to another dealer. If a particular dealership
can not assist you, then contact the Customer Relationship Center.
Customer assistance
264

replacement or repurchase remedies provided by certain state laws. This
dispute handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state
created rights or other rights which are independent of the Magnuson-
Moss Warranty Act or state replacement or repurchase laws.
THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD (U.S. ONLY)
The Dispute Settlement Board is:
²an independent, third-party arbitration program for warranty disputes
²available free to owners and lessees of qualifying Ford Motor Company
vehicles
The Dispute Settlement Board may not be available in all states. Ford
Motor Company reserves the right to change eligibility limitations, modify
procedures and/or to discontinue this service without notice and without
incurring obligations per applicable state law.
What kinds of cases does the Board review?
Unresolved warranty repair concerns or vehicle performance as designed
concerns on Ford and Lincoln Mercury cars and Ford and Lincoln
Mercury light trucks which are within the terms of any applicable written
new vehicle warranty are eligible for review, except those involving:
²a non-Ford product
²a non-Ford dealership
²sales disputes between customer and dealer except those associated
with warranty repairs or concerns with the vehicle's performance as
designed
²a request for reimbursement of consequential expenses unless a
service or product concern is being reviewed
²items not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (including
maintenance and wear items)
²alleged personal injury/property damage claims
²cases currently in litigation
²vehicles not used primarily for family, personal or household purposes
(except in states where the Dispute Settlement Board is required to
review commercial vehicles)
²vehicles with non-U.S. warranties
Customer assistance
267

Concerns are ineligible for review if the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
has expired at receipt of your application and, in certain states eligibility
is dependent upon the customer's possession of the vehicle.
Eligibility may differ according to state law. For example, see the unique
brochures for California, West Virginia, Georgia and Wisconsin
purchasers/lessees.
Board membership
The Board consists of:
²three consumer representatives
²a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The dealership Board member is chosen
from Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
²the file number assigned to your application
²the toll-free phone number of the DSB's independent administrator
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will then be
asked to submit statements.
To properly review your case, the Board needs the following information:
²legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case
²the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license
²the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s)
²the current mileage
²the name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle
²a brief description of your unresolved concern
Customer assistance
268

A
Accessory delay ..........................86
AdvanceTrac ..............................170
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........144±145, 149
and child safety seats ............146
description ......................145, 149
disposal ....................................151
driver air bag ..................147, 150
indicator light ...................10, 147
operation .........................147, 150
passenger air bag ...........147, 150
side air bag ..............................149
Air cleaner filter .......................257
Air conditioning ..........................29
Air filter, cabin ..........................224
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................215
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................167±168
Anti-theft system ......................112
arming the system ..................112
disarming a
triggered system .....................113
warning light ...............................9
Audio system (see Radio) ...39, 63
Automatic transaxle .................173
driving with .............................175
fluid, adding ............................222
fluid, checking ........................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............258
fluid, specification ..................261
Auxiliary power point ...............116
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........259B
Battery .......................................227
acid, treating emergencies .....227
charging system warning light ..8
jumping a disabled battery ....202
maintenance-free ....................227
replacement, specifications ...257
servicing ..................................227
Belt minder ...............................140
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167±168
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 168
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacities ..............258
fluid, specifications .........259, 261
lubricant specifications ..259, 261
parking ....................................168
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............78
shift interlock ..........................173
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....258
Cargo net ...................................118
Certification Label ....................262
Child safety restraints ..............152
child safety belts ....................152
Child safety seats ......................153
in front seat ............................154
in rear seat ......................154, 156
LATCH .....................................161
tether anchorage hardware ...157
Cleaning your vehicle ...............252
engine compartment ..............254
Index
278

daytime running lights .............27
flash to pass ..............................28
high beam ...........................10, 27
replacing bulbs .......................246
turning on and off ....................27
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................29
heater only system ...................29
rear seat controls .....................37
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ......90, 92±94
Hood ..........................................209
I
Ignition .................................79, 261
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................153
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................245
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................255
cluster ..................................8, 255
lighting up panel and interior .28
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................196
positioning ...............................196
storage .....................................196
Jump-starting your vehicle ......202
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................110
locking and unlocking doors ..112programming entry code .......111
Keys ...................................113±115
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........79
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................250
cargo lamps ...............................28
daytime running light ...............27
headlamps .................................27
headlamps, flash to pass ..........28
instrument panel, dimming .....28
interior lamps .....................95±97
replacing bulbs ...............245±249
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................82
Liftgate ..............................117±118
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 168
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ..........................................10
charging system ..........................8
check engine .............................11
door ajar ....................................13
fuel cap light .............................12
fuel reset ...................................13
high beam ...........................10, 13
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
Index
281