Target Audience:
Owners and professional mechanics performing service and repair
Competitors:
Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Manual Advantage:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance information, detailed visuals
Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repairs, reduces reliance on expensive dealership service, extends vehicle lifespan
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel system, emissions control, engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, starting and charging system
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (AX4N, AX4S), transfer case (AWD models), drive axles, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, instrument cluster, lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay information
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, components, and operation
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems
Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls
Diagrams Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams
Searchable:
Likely searchable (common for professional PDF manuals)
Printable:
Yes, single pages or entire manual
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download)
Paper:
Not applicable (digital download)
Operating Systems:
Windows and MAC
Usage License:
Lifetime usage, unlimited computers
Engine Code And Type:
3.0L Vulcan V6 (ESSEX) (OHV) (1995-1997) and 3.8L Essex V6 (OHV) (1998-2003)
3.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 145-150 hp
3.0L Torque:
Approx. 165-170 lb-ft
3.8L Horsepower:
Approx. 190-200 hp
3.8L Torque:
Approx. 230-235 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (or equivalent orange ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Oil Type 3.0L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Oil Type 3.8L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Oil Capacity 3.0L:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Oil Capacity 3.8L:
5.0 US quarts (with filter)
Overall Length:
199.5 inches
Overall Width:
77.3 inches
Overall Height:
67.2 inches
Curb Weight FWD:
Approximately 4,000 - 4,300 lbs
Curb Weight AWD:
Approximately 4,200 - 4,500 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5,500 - 6,000 lbs
Max Cargo Volume:
Approximately 150.5 cubic feet (with rear seats removed)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
4 Stars (1995-1997 models)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
4 Stars (1995-1997 models)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Acceptable (various years)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some early trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all outboard seating positions, two-point for center rear
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), under normal driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles, or as indicated by fluid condition and service history.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-5 years.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MERCON V (or equivalent)
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:
Common on 3.0L Vulcan engines, especially with age, leading to coolant or vacuum leaks.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
AX4S/AX4N transmissions can experience delayed or harsh shifts, often due to solenoid issues or low fluid.
Rear Suspension Sag:
Coil springs can sag over time, especially with heavy loads, affecting ride height and handling.
Power Door Lock Actuator Failure:
Actuators can fail, causing doors to not lock or unlock properly.
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive manufacturer with a long history of vehicle production.
Windstar Introduction:
Introduced for the 1995 model year as Ford's first dedicated minivan platform, replacing the Ford Aerostar.
Facelift Updates:
Received a significant facelift for the 1998 model year, including revised exterior styling, interior upgrades, and the introduction of the 3.8L V6 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Discontinuation:
Production ended with the 2007 model year; replaced by the Ford Edge crossover.
IIHS Safety Pick:
None specifically highlighted, but generally considered average for its class in safety ratings.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varied over its production run, with some years receiving below-average reliability ratings, particularly in early models.
