2004 FORD FREESTAR steering

Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTracsystem)
The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.
When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, pull the
handle up as far as possible. The
BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate
and will remain illuminated until the
parking brake is released.
To release, press and hold the
button, pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
The AdvanceTrac
system helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS) and Traction Control
and a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle.
AdvanceTrac
constantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver’s intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. AdvanceTrac
determines whether an engine torque
reduction or brake application is needed to help control the vehicle. If
the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or right, spin out, or slide
sideways, the system will attempt to correct the excessive motion. If the
vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the system will attempt to
increase the turning response of the vehicle.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
168

If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTrac
system may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac
performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac

operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The TRAC ACTIVE indicator light will illuminate
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac
operation.
If the AdvaceTrac system is activated for an extended period of time, the
brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes to cool
down. A limited AdvanceTrac
function using only engine power
reduction will still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool-down period.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
system. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac
sensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac
event
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
170

STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Insert the key and turn it to the
position between 2 (OFF/LOCK)
and 3 (RUN). A detent position will
be felt between positions 2 and 3.
Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral) . The positions of
the ignition are as follows: 1 –
ACCESSORY , 2 – OFF/LOCK, 3 –
RUNand4–START.
When the key is in position between OFF/LOCK and RUN, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4
3
2
1
2004 Windstar (win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
171

Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue — Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural — Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses. To remove
the fuse panel cover, pull up on the latch on the right or left side of the
cover.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
187

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
12 5A Brake-Shift Interlock (BSI) Run
feed, Climate control system Run
feed
13 5A Compass/Driver heated
seat/Passenger heated
seats/Reverse sensing
system/Power Liftgate
Module/Power sliding door Run
feeds
14 5A Underhood fuse box Run feed,
Front blower Run feed
15 10A Brake On-Off (BOO) switch B+
16 5A Steering angle/Cluster/Power
sliding door and power liftgate
inhibit LED/Electrochromatic
mirror Run/Start
17 10A Restraint Control Module
(RCM)/Passenger Air bag Disable
Indicator (PADI)/Passenger
Occupant Detection System
(PODS) Run/Start
18 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module/Brake pressure
switch/Speed control Run/Start
19 5A PATS/Cluster/Air bag
LED/Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) relay Run/Start
20 10A Liftgate Start feed, Radio Start
feed
21 10A Starter relay power START
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
189

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
•If your low tire warning light is on, refer toLow tire warningin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may damage
your tires. The use of tire sealants may also damage your tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may have a temporary spare tire. The temporary spare tire
for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller than a regular tire and is
designed for emergency use only. Replace this tire with a full-size tire as
soon as possible.
Note:The Low Tire Warning system
will detect the temporary spare tire
and illuminate the low tire warning
light until the spare tire is replaced
with a proper full-size tire. To reset
the system, refer toServicing your tiresin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
•use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
•exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) or drive further than 3,200 km (2,000
miles) total under any circumstances
•load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•tow a Class III trailer
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
194

•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•
Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in contact
with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan lotion in order
to avoid possible damage to the interior painted surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
222

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.9L/4.2L V6 engines
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
227