Ford Windstar (2003 year). Manual — part 47

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

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

2

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190

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.

Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer to Lubricant specifications
in this chapter.

State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.

If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5° C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use

washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.

Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate

Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil

Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.

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191

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).

4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.

5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
• If the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks, the oil level is

acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.

• If the oil level is below the MIN

mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.

MAX

MIN

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192

• Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil

must be removed from the engine by a service technician.

7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.

Adding engine oil

1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.

3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).

4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.

5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.

To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.

Engine oil and filter recommendations

Look for this certification
trademark.

SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.

Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153–H. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.

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