Ford 1996 Windstar Manual page 304

Propping the hood
To close the hood:
Remove the prop rod from the slotted hole in the hood.
1.
Place the rod in its retaining clip and close the hood with
enough force to make it latch. Be sure to oil the hood latch
every six months to maintain smooth operation.
Try to lift the hood after closing it to be sure it is securely
2.
latched.
304