Safety Precautions:
* Let the engine cool completely before starting. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.
* Work in a well-ventilated area. Antifreeze is toxic.
* Have the correct type and amount of coolant ready. Check your owner's manual for the recommended type (usually a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water).
* Have a drain pan large enough to hold several quarts of coolant.
* Gloves are recommended.
Draining the Coolant:
1. Locate the drain petcock: This is usually located on the lower radiator hose, near the bottom of the radiator. It's a small valve or plug.
2. Position the drain pan under the radiator drain petcock.
3. Carefully open the drain petcock. It might be a screw-type valve or a quick-release type. Let the coolant drain completely. This will take some time.
4. Locate the engine block drain plug: Some Windstars have an additional drain plug on the engine block itself. If your Windstar does, drain this as well. This will remove coolant that remains in the engine block. You will likely need a wrench for this plug.
Filling the Coolant:
1. Locate the radiator cap: This is usually on the top of the radiator.
2. Remove the radiator cap carefully. Pressure may build up, so point the cap away from yourself.
3. Slowly add the pre-mixed coolant to the radiator until it reaches the "full" line or just below the radiator neck.
4. Replace the radiator cap.
5. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This allows the coolant to circulate and fill the system. Monitor the temperature gauge.
6. Turn off the engine and let it cool completely.
7. Check the coolant level again. Add more coolant if necessary. You may need to do this over a couple of days as the system fully pressurizes.
8. Check for leaks. Look for any signs of coolant dripping under the vehicle.
Important Considerations:
* Burping the system: Some air pockets might remain trapped in the cooling system after filling. This can cause overheating. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on "burping" the system, which often involves opening a bleed valve (if equipped) to release trapped air.
* Coolant type: Use the correct type of antifreeze/coolant as recommended in your owner's manual. Mixing different types can be harmful.
* Disposal: Antifreeze is toxic and must be disposed of properly. Check with your local waste disposal facility for proper disposal methods.
This is a general guide. The specific location of drain plugs and bleed valves will vary slightly depending on the year and engine of your Ford Windstar. Always consult your owner's manual for detailed, year-specific instructions. If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to have a qualified mechanic do it for you.
