1996 Ford Windstar Owner's Manual - Page 62

Starting Your Windstar Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter or flood the engine. After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and release the parking brake. Put the gearshift lever in gear, slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in the normal manner. NOTE: Your vehicle has an interlock that prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake pedal. If the engine still does not start after two attempts: 1. Turn the key to the OFF position and wait about two minutes. 2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it. 3. Turn the key to the START position. 4. Release the key when the engine starts. 5. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up. Then drive away in the normal manner. If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter. A computer system controls the engine's idle rpm. When you start your vehicle, the engine's idling rpm normally runs high. These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle move slightly faster than when the engine is at its normal warm engine idle speed. It should, however, slow down when the vehicle warms up. If it does not, have the idle rpm checked. 59