2004 FORD FREESTAR charging

Check transaxle:Illuminates when
a transaxle problem has been
detected and shifting may be
restricted. If the light remains on,
have the system serviced
immediately.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature:Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the
engine and let cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
•Without Message Center
•With Message Center
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Traction Control
or AdvanceTrac
active (if equipped):
Illuminates when the Traction Control
is active, refer to theDriving
chapter for more information.
•Without Message Center
•With Message Center
TRAC
ACTIVE
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to set the
language choice.
Units (English/Metric)
1. Select this function from the
SETUP menu for the current units
to be displayed.
2. Press the RESET control to
change from English to Metric.
System check
Selecting this function from the
SETUP menu causes the message
center to cycle through each of the
systems being monitored. For each
of the monitored systems, the
message center will indicate either
an OK message or a warning
message for three seconds.
Pressing the RESET control cycles the message center through each of
the systems being monitored.
The sequence of the system check report is as follows:
1. Oil life in XX%
2. Charging system
3. Washer fluid level
4. Brake fluid level
5. Doors and liftgate status
6. Exterior lamps status
7. Traction Control
status
8. Tire inflation status
9. Fuel level status (hold to reset to relearn)
10. Distance to empty
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
78

To reset the oil monitoring system to your personalized oil life %:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
2. Press and release the RESET
control to display “OIL LIFE XX%
HOLD RESET NEW”.
3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to display “IF
NEW OIL HOLD RESET”.
4. Release the RESET control
momentarily, then press RESET and
SETUP controls at the same time to
activate a service mode which will
display “OIL LIFE XX% RESET TO
ALTER”.
5. Press RESET until you find your personalized OIL LIFE XX%.
6. With your personalized OIL LIFE XX% displayed, press SETUP to
continue the system check.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
•Fuel Computer
•Oil life
•Charging system
•Door sensor•Liftgate sensor
•Exterior lamps
•Traction control
•Washer fluid
•Brake Fluid
Contact your dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on a
regular basis.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
83

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

emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
246