2001 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 173

Driving If you find yourself regularly experiencing AdvanceTrac௢ events, you are driving too fast for conditions, you should reduce your speed, and drive less aggressively. Speed Control should NOT be used under these conditions. AdvanceTrac is limited by the laws of physics. It is always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputs for the conditions. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac௢ event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may cause you to lose control of the vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal injury or property damage. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: • Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir). If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following: • underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) • uneven vehicle loading • high crown in center of road • high crosswinds • wheels out of alignment • loose or worn suspension components AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed. 173