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

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
Driving
144

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.8L OHV V6 engine
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
345678
91012
Maintenance and Specifications
190

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

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and Specifications
213

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transaxle
(4F50N)Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONV
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3 ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsMotorcraft CV
Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-MIC25B-A1
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
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 MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
223

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