Ford Windstar (2003 year). Manual — part 48

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.

BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.

Check the battery electrolyte level under severe usage. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide.

If the level is low, add plain tap water. If possible, use distilled water. If
the battery needs water often, have the charging system checked.

Note: The electrolyte level in each cell should be at the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.

Keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the battery
cables are always tightly fastened to the terminals. If your battery has a
cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled after cleaning or battery
replacement.

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted

substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.

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When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,

resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.

Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes

when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic
transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive
learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift smoothness.
It is normal for your transaxle to shift abruptly during the first few
hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy has
been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. With your foot on the brake pedal and with the A/C on, put the
vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

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7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.

If the battery has been discharged, disconnected or a new battery has
been installed, the power sliding door may need to be reset. Refer to
Power Sliding Door-Resetting the PSD in the Controls and Features
chapter.
• Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36° C (-34° F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the “cold full” of “cold fill range” level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in the Adding engine coolant section.

Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:

LEAD

RETURN

RECYCLE

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196

• Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
• Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
• Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.

• The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold

fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).

schedules.

• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your

vehicle in this chapter.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.

Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.

COLD FILL RANGE

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