2003 Ford Windstar BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Lateral Accelerometer

The lateral accelerometer measures the acceleration which corresponds to the force required to slide the vehicle sideways. This acceleration comes in two forms. The first is the centrifugal acceleration which is generated when an object travels around in a circle. The second is the acceleration due to gravity. The accelerometer only measures the acceleration along the lateral (or sideways) direction of the vehicle, so on level ground there is no contribution gravity. However, if the vehicle is parked sideways on a bank or incline, the sensor will measure some lateral acceleration due to gravity even though the vehicle is stationary.

Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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