Ford Windstar (2003 year). Manual — part 35

vehicle. For more information, refer to Traction Control

娂 (if equipped)

or AdvanceTrac

娂 stability enhancement system (if equipped) in this

chapter.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear
bumper when R (Reverse) is selected. The RSS will assist the driver in
detecting certain objects while:
• the vehicle is moving toward a stationary object at a speed of 5 km/h

(3 mph) or less.

• the vehicle is in R (Reverse) but not moving backward (the brake

pedal is depressed or the parking brake is applied), and a moving
object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a speed of 5 km/h
(3 mph) or less.

• the vehicle is moving in reverse at a speed of less than 5 km/h

(3 mph) and a moving object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at
a speed of less than 5 km/h (3 mph).

The RSS is not effective at speeds greater than 5 km/h (3 mph) and may
not detect certain angular or moving objects.

To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this

section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.

To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the RSS.

This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to

assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.

Driving

142

The RSS detects obstacles up to 2
meters (6 ft.) from the rear bumper
with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the figures for approximate
zone coverage areas). As you move
closer to the obstacle, the rate of
the tone increases. When the
obstacle is less than 25.0 cm
(10 in.) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side
of the vehicle, the tone will sound
for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.

The RSS automatically turns on
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
An RSS control on the instrument
panel allows the driver to turn the
RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off,
the ignition must be ON, and the
gear selector in R (Reverse). An
indicator light on the control will
illuminate when the system is turned off. If the indicator light illuminates
when the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate a failure in the RSS.

Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.

If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.

OFF

Driving

143

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

engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.

• Maximum Trailer Weight: Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded

vehicle, including occupants and cargo, is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.

• Trailer Weight Range: Specified range of trailer weight from zero to

the maximum trailer weight rating.

Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.

The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.

Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.

Note: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle

rollover, and/or personal injury.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your vehicle type and whether it’s
equipped with a trailer tow option.

2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.

3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.

Driving

145