1996 Ford Windstar Owner's Manual - Page 335

Servicing Your Windstar Make sure your suspension insulators and bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle. Cleaning the Wheels Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to remove grease and tar. NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are abrasive. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Under normal circumstances, you need to change the fluid at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for normal operating conditions or 21,000 miles (34,000 km) for severe duty. However, if the transaxle is not working properly (for example, slipping or shifting slowly), or you notice some sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked. It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at normal operating temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level without having to drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal operating temperature if outside temperatures are above 50˚F (10˚C). NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot weather, or if it has been pulling a trailer, the engine should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking. 335