Page 3 of 280
Customer Assistance 210
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 218
Cleaning 219
Maintenance and Specifications 225
Engine compartment 227
Engine oil 228
Battery 231
Fuel information 238
Part numbers 263
Refill capacities 264
Lubricant specifications 265
Accessories 272
Index 274
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
3
Page 5 of 280

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
5
Page 10 of 280

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Check engine:TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb. Solid
illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
10
Page 11 of 280

Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Check
engine warning light to come on,
refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or
in a position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake system
warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately
from your dealership. Illumination after releasing the parking brake
indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the ABS
light stays illuminated or continues
to flash, a malfunction has been
detected, have the system serviced
immediately. Normal braking is still
functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
ABS
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11
Page 12 of 280

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 Controlor AdvanceTracactive (if equipped):
Illuminates when the Traction Controlis 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
Page 13 of 280
Traction Controlor
AdvanceTracoff light (if
equipped):Illuminates when the
Traction Controlhas been disabled
(by the driver or as a result of a system failure). Refer to theDriving
chapter for more information.
Low tire warning:Illuminates
when the low tire warning system is
enabled. If the light remains on
while driving, the tire pressure
should be checked, refer toLow
tire warningin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
Low washer fluid:Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.
•Without Message Center
•With Message CenterTRAC
OFF
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13
Page 17 of 280
The arrow near the fuel pump icon indicates which side of the vehicle
the fuel filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
17
Page 61 of 280

To open the sliding door when the
child safety lock is on:
•Unlock the sliding door and open
the door from the outside.
•Press the right or left hand
control on the overhead console
or the remote to open the door.
•The second row passenger switch will still be functional to open the
door. To prevent the second row passenger from operating the PSD,
turn the Power Door Lockout control to the OFF position.
Cleaning the Sliding Door Contacts
The sliding door contact switches
provide electrical information
between the sliding door and body,
which control the power locks and
the power sliding door (if
equipped). Care should be taken
while using waxes or polishes to
avoid contaminating the electrical
contact surfaces. Beverage and
other spills on the surfaces should
be cleaned immediately with a soap
and water solution and dried with a clean towel. Never use any abrasives
or dielectric grease on the contact surfaces. Periodically wiping the
surfaces with a soft clean cloth or paper towel will help remove oxidation
due to normal use. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
additional information.
INSTRUMENT PANEL STORAGE COMPARTMENT
The storage compartment may be
used to secure sunglasses or similar
sized objects. Press the control to
open the storage compartment.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
61