check transmission fluid FORD WINDSTAR 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Traction Control
or
AdvanceTrac
off light
(if equipped):Illuminates when
the Traction Control
has been
disabled (by the driver or as a result of a system failure). Refer to the
Drivingchapter for more information.
Low tire warning:Illuminates
when the low tire warning system is
enabled. If the light remains on
while driving, the tire pressure
should be checked, refer toLow
tire warningin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off.
Low washer fluid:Illuminates
when the windshield washer fluid is
low.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the Securilock
Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.TRAC
OFF
O/D
OFF
Instrument Cluster
12

Liftgate ajar Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON
Low brake fluid level
Check tail lamps
Check headlamps
Check rear turn lamps
Check front turn lamps
Check cornering/side repeater
lamps (if equipped)
Change oil soon
Oil change required
Check traction control (if
equipped)
Check advancetrac (if
equipped)
Low washer fluid
Check turn signal on reminder
DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side door is
not completely closed.
DRIVER’S REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s rear door
is not completely closed.
PASSENGER REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side
rear door is not completely closed.
LIFTGATE AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate is not completely closed.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
Driver Controls
66

TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and specificationschapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission
service as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS. Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center high-mount
brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK HEADLAMPS. Displayed when the headlamps are activated
and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as possible and
have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing headlamp bulbs
in theLightschapter.
CHECK TAIL LAMPS.Displayed when the tail lamps are activated and
at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as possible and have
the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK FRONT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK REAR TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK SIDE REPEATER LAMPS (if equipped).Displayed when
the turn signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the
lamps as soon as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
TURN SIGNAL ON REMINDER.Displayed when the turn signal is
activated and the vehicle is driven more that 0.8 km (1/2 mile).
LOW WASHER FLUID.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer toWindshield
washer fluidin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped).Displayed when the
Traction Control
system is not operating properly. If this warning stays
on, contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction control
in theDrivingchapter.
CHECK ADVANCETRAC (if equipped).Displayed when the
AdvanceTrac
system is not operating properly. If this message is
Driver Controls
67

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.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and Specifications
212

A
Accessory delay ..........................50
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................111–112, 115
and child safety seats ............113
description ......................112, 115
disposal ....................................117
driver air bag ..................114, 116
indicator light .........................113
operation .........................114, 116
passenger air bag ...........114, 116
side air bag ..............................115
Air cleaner filter .......................220
Air filter, cabin ............................34
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................134–135
Anti-theft system ........................86
arming the system ....................86
disarming a triggered system ..86
Audio system
(see Radio) ................16, 18, 20, 24
Automatic transaxle .................139
fluid, adding ............................212
fluid, checking ........................212
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................224
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................140
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........222
B
Battery .......................................194acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....167
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder .................................106
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ...........................134–135
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................135
fluid, checking and adding ....211
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
parking ....................................135
shift interlock ..........................139
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Calculating load ........................145
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
Cargo net .....................................73
Cassette tape player ...................24
CD-single premium .........16, 18, 20
Cell phone use ............................56
Cellular telephone (see your
Cellular Phone Guide) ................56
Certification Label ....................225
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ......................122, 124
tether anchorage hardware ...125
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............183
instrument panel ....................185
Index
230

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