2004 FORD FREESTAR check oil

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
230

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
231

Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234

Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244

waxing .....................................219
wheels ......................................220
wiper blades ............................221
Clock ............................................62
Compass, electronic ....................54
calibration .................................56
set zone adjustment .................55
Console ........................................70
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................69
Coolant
checking and adding ..............233
refill capacities ................237, 264
specifications ..................265–266
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................66
Cupholder(s) .............................106
Customer Assistance ................184
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................223
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................212
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...184
Getting the service you
need .........................................210
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................217
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................212
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................215D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................248
engine oil .................................228
Doors ...........................................57
lubricant specifications ..........265
power sliding ............................58
Driving under special
conditions ..................................174
through water .........................176
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emission control system ..........245
Engine ................................266–267
cleaning ...................................220
coolant .....................................233
idle speed control ...................231
lubrication
specifications ..................265–266
refill capacities ........................264
service points ..................227–228
starting after a collision .........185
Engine block heater .................166
Engine oil ..................................228
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................228
checking and adding ..............228
dipstick ....................................228
filter, specifications ........230, 263
recommendations ...................230
refill capacities ........................264
specifications ..................265–266
Exhaust fumes ..........................166
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
275

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