2004 FORD FREESTAR brakes

Trailer brakes
Be sure your trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal
Regulations regarding trailer braking. If your trailer is equipped with
electronically controlled brakes you will need to have an electronic brake
controller with associated wiring installed to your vehicle by a qualified
technician.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your
vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and
monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching
wiring to the vehicle bulbs may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps
or cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature
may also be disabled or provide incorrect information.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Understanding the positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
182

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
It is not recommended to tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front
drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
183

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
248

A
Accessory delay ..........................64
AdvanceTrac ..............................168
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................138, 144, 146
and child safety seats ............140
description ..............138, 144, 146
disposal ....................................149
driver air bag ..........141, 145, 147
indicator light .................140, 149
operation .................141, 145, 147
passenger air bag ...141, 145, 147
side air bag ..............................144
Air cleaner filter .......................263
Air filter, cabin ............................41
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................233
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................167–168
Anti-theft system ......................101
arming the system ..................101
disarming a triggered
system .....................................101
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transaxle .................171
fluid, adding ............................248
fluid, checking ........................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specification ..................266
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................172
Auxiliary power point .................62
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........265
B
Battery .......................................231acid, treating emergencies .....231
jumping a disabled battery ....203
maintenance-free ....................231
replacement, specifications ...263
servicing ..................................231
BeltMinder .................................132
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167–168
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................167
fluid, checking and adding ....248
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specifications .........265–266
lubricant specifications ..265–266
parking ....................................168
shift interlock ..........................171
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....264
Cargo net .....................................84
Cassette tape player..18, 20, 23, 26
Cell phone use ............................70
Certification Label ....................268
Child safety restraints ..............150
child safety belts ....................150
Child safety seats ......................152
in front seat ............................154
in rear seat ..............................154
tether anchorage hardware ...156
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............220
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................222
interior trim ............................222
plastic parts ............................221
washing ....................................219
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
274

L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................42
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................48
daytime running light ...............42
headlamps .................................42
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....44
interior lamps .....................46–48
replacing bulbs ...................48–51
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Liftgate ..................................84–85
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........167
Load limits .................................176
Locks
autolock .....................................94
childproof ..................................88
doors ..........................................87
Low tire warning .........................15
Lubricant specifications ...265–266
Luggage rack ...............................85
Lumbar support, seats .............105
M
Message center ...........................75
english/metric button ...............78
system check button ................78
warning messages .....................79
Mirrors ...................................54, 64
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................64
fold away ...................................66
heated ........................................65
programmable memory ............95side view mirrors (power) .......65
Motorcraft parts ................242, 263
O
Octane rating ............................241
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................228
Overdrive ...................................172
P
Parking brake ............................168
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....263
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................126
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................66
Power adjustable foot pedals .....66
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................189
Power door locks ..................87, 94
Power mirrors .............................65
Power point .................................62
Power steering ..........................171
fluid, checking and adding ....247
fluid, refill capacity ................264
fluid, specifications .........265–266
Power Windows ...........................63
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 26
Relays ........................................186
Remote entry system .................89
illuminated entry ..........43, 92–93
locking/unlocking doors .....87, 90
Reverse sensing system ...........174
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
277