1998 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 288

Maintenance and Care Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely latch the gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running. Wipe off the dipstick cap, pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level. When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick. The automatic transmission dipstick NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom hole on the dipstick and the outside temperature is above 50˚F (10˚C). Add only enough fluid to bring the level above the bottom hole. The fluid level should be rechecked at normal operating temperature. If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid level is above the bottom hole on the dipstick, do not add fluid. Recheck the fluid level after your vehicle has reached normal operating temperature. 289