fuel cap FORD WINDSTAR 2003 2.G User Guide

Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
Maintenance and Specifications
206

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Do not use tire chains with 235/60R16 and P235/55R17 size tires.
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
219

•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.8L OHV V6 engine
Air filter element FA-1616
Fuel filter FG-986B
Battery (standard) BXT-65-650
Battery (optional) BXT-65-750
Oil filter FL-400S
PCV valve EV-152
Spark plugs* AWSF-42EE***
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
*** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the
same cylinder. Cylinders No. 1, 2, and 3 have a“EG”suffix. Cylinders No.
4, 5, and 6 have a“E”suffix. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use
only spark plugs with the service part number suffix letter“EE”as
shown on the engine decal.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
All Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil3.8L engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Maintenance and Specifications
220

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)
or
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)Without rear
heater14.0L (14.8
quarts)
With rear heater 15.0L (15.9
quarts)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Fuel tank N/A All 98.4L (26.0
gallons)
Automatic
transaxle fluidMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAll 13.0L (13.7
quarts)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
221

F
Floor mats ...................................57
Fluid capacities .........................220
Fuel ............................................201
calculating fuel economy .......206
cap ...........................................203
capacity ...................................220
choosing the right fuel ...........204
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................209
detergent in fuel .....................205
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................201, 203, 206
filter, specifications ........205, 220
fuel pump shut-off switch .....151
improving fuel economy ........206
octane rating ...................204, 224
quality ......................................204
running out of fuel .................205
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................201
Fuses ..................................152–153
G
Garage door opener ..............46, 58
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............203
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................206
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................144
calculating ...............................145
definition .................................144
driving with a heavy load ......144
location ....................................144
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................144
calculating .......................144–145definition .................................144
driving with a heavy load ......144
location ....................................144
H
Head restraints .....................87, 90
Headlamps ...................................35
aiming ........................................37
autolamp system .......................35
bulb specifications ....................40
daytime running lights .............35
flash to pass ..............................36
high beam .................................36
replacing bulbs .........................40
turning on and off ....................35
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system .....30–31, 33
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .........................58, 61
Hood ..........................................189
I
Ignition ...............................131, 224
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................121
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................210
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................185
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................36
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......167
Index
232