4,100 - 4,400 lbs (1860 - 2000 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:
5,600 - 5,700 lbs (2540 - 2585 kg) depending on configuration
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver Est:
Four stars (1998), Five stars (1999)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Est:
Four stars (1998), Five stars (1999)
IIHS Side Impact Est:
Acceptable (variable by year/features)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on all models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Options:
AM/FM radio, Cassette player, CD player (optional on some trims)
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on basic audio and climate features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (under severe conditions, check manual for specifics)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Coolant Specification:
Ford ESE-M97B44-A (Green or Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Issue 1:
Interior door panel warping/detachment (especially in hot climates)
Common Issue 2:
Rear climate control failure
Common Issue 3:
Alternator failure (especially with the 3.8L engine)
Common Issue 4:
Variable assist power steering issues
Common Issue 5:
Transmission solenoid pack issues (leading to shifting problems)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automaker with a history of producing a wide range of vehicles, including successful vans and minivans.
Model Evolution
Windstar Introduction:
First generation introduced for the 1995 model year, replacing the Ford Aerostar. Designed to compete in the growing minivan segment.
1998 Update:
Minor updates and feature packaging adjustments.
1999 Facelift:
Significant facelift for the 1999 model year, featuring revised front and rear styling, updated interior, and improved safety features. This manual covers both the late first-generation 1998 model and the first year of the updated design (1999).
Production
Production Location:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Ratings Est:
Mixed consumer ratings throughout its lifespan, with common complaints regarding reliability and build quality for some components.
Safety Awards Est:
Improved safety ratings in 1999 compared to 1998 models, reflecting updates to passive safety systems.
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