wheel FORD WINDSTAR 2003 2.G Owner's Guide

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of your brake
system could be compromised, seek service from your dealer
immediately.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
211

•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climates.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
Maintenance and Specifications
214

which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Low tire warning
The low tire warning system is designed to detect a significant loss of
inflation inany one of your tireson your vehicle. The system uses the
Anti-lock brake wheel speed sensors to detect a change in wheel speed
due to tire deflation.
When a tire loses inflation, the low
tire warning system detects the
change and illuminates the low tire
warning indicator light as shown.
If the light remains on while driving,
check the tire pressure refer to“Checking the tire pressure”in this
chapter. The low tire warning indicator light will also illuminate when
using a temporary spare, refer to“Changing the tires”in theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
The low tire warning system may not detect an under-inflated
tire under all conditions and is not a substitute for manually
checking tires regularly for proper inflation.
When to RESET the Low Tire Warning System:
after any of the following
•Tire rotation
•One or more tires have been replaced
•Tire balancing
•Wheel alignment
•Adjusting the pressure on one or more tires (note: tire pressures are
often adjusted during oil change service)
Maintenance and Specifications
215

•Inflating a low tire will not clear the Low Tire Warning indicator light.
Only reseting the system will clear the light.
•The system will not detect a pressure loss without driving the vehicle
for at least 0.8 km (0.5 mile) at speeds greater than 40 km/h
(25 mph).
To reset the system if equipped
with Tire Reset switch:
turn the ignition to the ON position,
press and hold the“TIRE RESET”
switch (located on the instrument
panel behind the left side of the
steering wheel) for three seconds.
The low tire warning indicator light
will flash three times as the low tire warning system begins to initialize.
To reset the system if not
equipped with Tire Reset switch:
turn the ignition to the ON position,
depress and Trip/odometer button
(located in the instrument cluster)
until“TIRE RESET”or“CHECK
TIRE AND RESET”is displayed in the odometer display window. Once
“TIRE RESET”or“CHECK TIRE AND RESET”is displayed, press and
hold the button for three seconds. The low tire warning indicator light
will flash three times as the low tire warning system begins to initialize.
The system normally requires 15 to 20 minutes of driving in each of
three speed ranges to learn how the tires behave after the system has
been reset. However, the system will become functional in each speed
range as soon as learning completes in each individual speed range.
Speed ranges:
•Low 40–68 km/h (25–42 mph)
•Medium 68–100 km/h (42–62 mph)
•High–above 100 km/h (62 mph)
This system may not function properly under the following conditions:
•Uneven tread wear.
•Driving on loose or low traction surfaces such as gravel, snow or slush.
•Using tire chains
•Initial tire pressures out of specified range.
Tire
Reset
Maintenance and Specifications
216

•Two or more under inflated tires.
•Sudden loss of tire pressure.
•Vehicle speeds less than 30 km/h (20 mph), greater than 120 km/h
(70 mph) or driving duration less than 10 miles.
•Transporting a heavy load or towing a trailer.
•A different tire was replaced and was not the same brand, type, size,
speed rating, load carrying capacity and DOT code as the other tire on
the same axle.
•System was not reset after tire rotation, air pressure adjustment, a tire
change, wheel alignment or tire balancing.
•System was not reset after the ABS warning lamp illuminates.
The low tire warning feature can be turned off by your dealer.
Checking the tire pressure
•Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
•Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
•Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification Label.
•Reset low tire warning system
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
Maintenance and Specifications
217

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

ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.8L OHV V6 engine
Cubic inches 232
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS
Compression ratio 9.36:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Wagon mm (in) Van mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5102 (200.9) 5102 (200.9)
(2) Overall width 1945 (76.6) 1945 (76.6)
(3) Overall height
*1733 (68.2) 1728 (66.1)
(4) Wheelbase 3066 (120.7) 3066 (120.7)
(5) Track - Front 1643 (64.3) 1643 (64.3)
(5) Track - Rear 1600 (63.0) 1600 (63.0)
*Equipped with P225/60R16 tires.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty—3 years or 60,000 km (36,000
miles) (whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a
copy of the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Air bag anti-theft locks
Non-decorative wheel protector locks
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Cargo nets
Cargo shade
Cargo tray
Child step running boards
Engine block heaters
Remote start system
Seatback organizer
Accessories
227

interior .....................................185
interior trim ............................185
plastic parts ............................184
washing ....................................182
waxing .....................................182
wheels ......................................183
wiper blades
............................184
Compass, electronic
..............51, 70
Console
........................................55
overhead
....................................46
Controls
power seat
.................................88
Coolant
checking and adding
..............196
refill capacities
................200, 220
specifications
..................222, 224
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
....................53
Cupholder(s)
...............................91
Customer Assistance
................150
Ford accessories for your
vehicle
.....................................186
Ford Extended
Service Plan
............................175
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................179
Getting roadside assistance
...150
Getting the service
you need
.................................173
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................180
The Dispute Settlement
Board
.......................................175
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................178D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................212
engine oil .................................191
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........222
power sliding ............................47
Driving under special
conditions ..................................141
through water .........................144
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................167
Emission control system ..........209
Engine ........................................224
cleaning ...................................183
coolant .....................................196
idle speed control ...................194
lubrication
specifications ..................222, 224
refill capacities ........................220
service points ..........................190
starting after a collision .........151
Engine block heater .................134
Engine oil ..................................191
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................191
checking and adding ..............191
dipstick ....................................191
filter, specifications ........193, 220
recommendations ...................193
refill capacities ........................220
specifications ..................222, 224
Exhaust fumes ..........................134
Index
231

Relays ........................................152
Remote entry system .................77
illuminated entry ..........36, 80–81
locking/unlocking doors .....75, 78
Reverse sensing system ...........142
Roadside assistance ..................150
Roof rack .....................................73
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................98, 101–105
Safety defects, reporting ..........181
Safety restraints ..........98, 101–105
belt minder .............................106
cleaning the safety belts ........110
extension assembly ................109
for adults .........................102–104
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................105
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................99
warning light and chime ........106
Safety seats for children ..........121
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................98
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................121
memory seat .............................90
Servicing your vehicle ..............188
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ............................161–162
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................220, 224
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 224
Speed control ..............................53Starting your vehicle ........131–133
jump starting ..........................167
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tire warning ..............................215
Tires ...................................213–215
changing ..........................161–163
checking the pressure ............217
replacing ..................................218
rotating ....................................217
snow tires and chains ............219
tire grades ...............................214
treadwear ................................214
Towing .......................................146
recreational towing .................149
trailer towing ..........................146
wrecker ....................................172
Traction control ........................135
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............139
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..........224
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................212
lubricant specifications ..........222
Turn signal ..................................38
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................224
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................226
Vehicle loading ..........................144
Ventilating your vehicle ...........134
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Index
234