brakes FORD WINDSTAR 2002 2.G User Guide

The reverse sensing system is
automatically enabled when the gear
selector is placed in R (Reverse)
and the ignition is ON. A reverse
sensing control allows the driver to
disable the reverse sensing system
only when the ignition is ON, and
the gear selector is in R (Reverse).
The OFF indicator remains
illuminated when the system is
disabled. The system defaults to ON
every time the reverse gear is selected. Press the control to disable or
enable the system.
The indicator will remain illuminated to indicate a failure of the reverse
sensing system.
Always keep the sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from dirt, snow and ice (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects). These elements may cause the system to operate
inaccurately.
If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
Driving
192

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.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special Operating Conditions in the scheduled maintenance guide.
²Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional heavy duty trailer tow
wiring, it is pre-wired for trailer towing. An electrical connector is
provided under the instrument panel for installing a customer-supplied
electric brake controller. Another electrical connector is provided at the
hitch. This connector provides power to the trailer for taillamps, stop
and turn lamps, back up lamps, battery charge, electric brakes (when a
customer provided controller is installed) and ground. The kit included
with your vehicle provides you with adaptors to attach the brake
controller and convert the hitch connector for Class I trailer usage.
Driving
195

Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure that your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal Regulations.
Do not splice or modify the vehicle electrical wiring or lamps for
trailer towing.
Your vehicle uses an advanced electronic module with ground side
switching to control and monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the
wiring or attaching wiring to the vehicle bulbs will DISABLE the rear
vehicle lamps from functioning. Your lamp outage feature will also be
disabled or provide incorrect information.
Your vehicle is ready to install a Trailer Tow module that will provide the
proper communication with the vehicle electrical system so your trailer
lamps will function properly. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for
proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Driving
197

Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
Driving
198

specificationsin this chapter.DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is not DOT 3 or
DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
Maintenance and Specifications
269

A
Accessory delay ..........................87
AdvanceTrac ..............................183
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........155±156, 160
and child safety seats ............157
description ......................156, 160
disposal ....................................162
driver air bag ..................158, 161
indicator light ...................12, 158
operation .........................158, 161
passenger air bag ...........158, 161
side air bag ..............................160
Air cleaner filter .......................277
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................60
Air filter, cabin ............................66
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................252
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................180
Anti-theft system ......................127
arming the system ..................128
disarming a triggered
system .....................................128
warning light .............................14
Audio system (see Radio) .........44
Automatic transaxle .................186
driving with .............................187
fluid, adding ............................269
fluid, checking ........................269
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
fluid, specification ..................280
Auxiliary power point ...........86, 94
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........279B
Battery .......................................249
acid, treating emergencies .....249
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....218
maintenance-free ....................249
replacement,
specifications ..........................277
servicing ..................................249
Belt minder ...............................150
Brakes ........................................179
anti-lock ...................................180
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 181
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....268
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
fluid, specifications .........279±280
lubricant
specifications ..................279±280
parking ....................................181
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............90
shift interlock ..........................186
Break-in period .............................6
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....278
Cargo net ...................................111
Cellular telephone (see your
Cellular Phone Guide) ................94
Certification Label ....................282
Child safety restraints ..............163
child safety belts ....................163
Child safety seats ......................164
in front seat ............................165
Index
287

daytime running lights .............67
flash to pass ..............................68
high beam ...........................15, 68
replacing bulbs .........................74
turning on and off ....................67
warning chime ..........................15
Heating
heater only system ...................58
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................60
rear seat controls .....................64
HomeLink universal
transceiver
(see Garage door opener) ...96±99
Hood ..........................................243
I
Ignition .......................175, 280±281
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................164
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................266
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................239
cluster ................................10, 239
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................69
J
Jack ............................................212
positioning ...............................212
storage .....................................212
Jump-starting your vehicle ......218K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................121
locking and unlocking doors ..123
programming entry code .......122
Keys ...................................124±126
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........175
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................67
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................73
cargo lamps ...............................69
daytime running light ...............67
headlamps .................................67
headlamps, flash to pass ..........68
instrument panel, dimming .....69
interior lamps .....................71±73
replacing bulbs ....... 73±74, 76±78
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................71
Liftgate ..............................110, 112
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 181
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
check engine .............................10
door ajar ....................................14
fuel cap light .............................11
fuel reset ...................................13
high beam ...........................13, 15
low fuel ......................................14
low washer fluid .......................14
oil pressure ...............................13
Index
290