Ford Windstar (2003 year). Manual — part 34

• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The TRAC ACTIVE indicator light will illuminate
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the

pedal.

• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the

brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.

All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac

娂 operation.

Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac

娂 system. Also, do not install a stereo

loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac

娂 sensors located in this area.

Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal

injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac

娂 event

is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.

STEERING

To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an underinflated tire

• uneven tire wear

• loose or worn suspension

components

• loose or worn steering

components

• improper steering alignment

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138

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION

Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.

2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).

In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift
lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake

pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.

3. Start the vehicle.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift and O/D off switch

Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and

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139

provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over
time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.

Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either

(Overdrive) or with the

O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving
with the gearshift lever in
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.

To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Once you place the gearshift
lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use
the accelerator as necessary.

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle

P (Park)

This position locks the transaxle and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

O/D

ON/OFF

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140

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.

2 (Second)

This position allows for second gear only.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use to start-up on slippery roads.
• To return to

(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the

(Overdrive) position.

• Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transaxle to

downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.

1 (First)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the

gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

If necessary, try turning the Traction Control

娂 or AdvanceTrac娂 system

off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck

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