2001 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 12

Instrumentation Temporary malfunctions may cause your Check Engine light to illuminate. Examples are: 1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.) 2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel. 3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened. These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Check Engine light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required. If the Check Engine light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Light is blinking: Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire. Check fuel cap Momentarily illuminates when the CHECK ignition is turned to the ON position to ensure your bulb is working. FUEL When this light turns on, check the CAP fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the check fuel cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon/Check Engine warning light. When the fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a period of normal driving. This period will vary depending on driving conditions. 12