Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Ford Windstar BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
System Operation Check
- When checking air bag system operation (also known as prove out system), and upon completion of each diagnostic test, check for faults in air bag system. To check system, turn ignition switch from OFF to RUN position. If AIR BAG warning light illuminates for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out, air bag system is functioning properly and no fault codes exist.NOTE: On regular cab and extra cab pickups, passenger air bag deactivation switch light must turn on and off in same manner as instrument cluster warning light during system operation check.
- If a fault is detected in air bag system during initial system check, AIR BAG warning light will either fail to light, stay on continuously, or flash. Flashing may not begin for up to 30 seconds after initial bulb check (ignition turned from OFF to RUN). If AIR BAG warning light flashes, indicating a fault in system, diagnose and repair air bag system as necessary.
- If a system fault exists and AIR BAG warning light fails to light, an audible tone will be heard, indicating AIR BAG warning light is out and service is required. The tone is a chime which sounds 5 sets of 5 beeps.
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:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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