
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

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

Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
204

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
225

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

Roadside assistance ..................184
Roof rack .....................................85
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........137
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................125, 128–130
Safety Canopy ...........................146
Safety defects, reporting ..........218
Safety restraints ........125, 128–130
belt minder .............................132
extension assembly ................136
for adults .........................129–130
for children .....................149–150
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................126
safety belt maintenance .........137
warning light and
chime ...............................131–132
Safety seats for children ..........152
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............125
Seats ..........................................102
child safety seats ....................152
front seats ...............102, 104–105
memory seat .....................95, 105
second row seats ....107–108, 111
third row
seats .................111, 118, 122–123
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................99
Servicing your vehicle ..............225
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...194–195
Spark plugs,
specifications .............263, 266–267Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................265–266
Speed control ..............................66
Starting your vehicle ........163–165
jump starting ..........................203
Steering wheel
controls ......................................69
tilting .........................................53
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tires ...................................250–251
changing ..........194–195, 198, 203
snow tires and chains ............262
tire grades ...............................251
treadwear ................................250
Towing .......................................179
recreational towing .................183
trailer towing ..........................179
wrecker ....................................209
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............171
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
lubricant specifications ..........266
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....171
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................248
lubricant specifications ..........265
Turn signal ..................................46
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................267
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................269
Vehicle loading ..........................176
Ventilating your vehicle ...........166
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
278