2004 FORD FREESTAR octane

Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline.
“Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed
to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems
to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or
a qualified service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
241

For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 3 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
243

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transaxle
(4F50N)Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONV
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3 ESE-M1C171-A
Constant
velocity jointsMotorcraft CV
Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-MIC258-A1
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. DOT 3 fluid
is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be
used.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine the
correct service interval.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.9 L OHV V6 engine 4.2L OHV V6 engine
Cubic inches 232 256
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Compression ratio 9.36:1 9.27:1
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
266

F
Floor mats ...................................71
Fluid capacities .........................264
Fuel ............................................238
calculating fuel economy .......242
cap ...........................................240
capacity ...................................264
choosing the right fuel ...........240
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................245
detergent in fuel .....................241
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................238, 240, 242
filter, specifications ........242, 263
fuel pump shut-off switch .....185
improving fuel economy ........242
octane rating ...........241, 266–267
quality ......................................241
running out of fuel .................241
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................238
Fuses ..................................186–187
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................71
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............240
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................242
Gauges .........................................15
H
Hazard flashers .........................185
Head restraints .................102, 106
Headlamps ...................................42
aiming ..................................44–45autolamp system .......................42
bulb specifications ....................48
daytime running lights .............42
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................43
replacing bulbs .........................49
turning on and off ....................42
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system..................................32, 34
HomeLink universal
transceiver
(see Garage door opener) .........74
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................71
Hood ..........................................226
I
Ignition .......................163, 266–267
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................152
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................247
Instrument panel ........................61
cleaning ...................................222
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................44
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......203
K
Keyless entry system .................96
autolock .....................................94
Keys .............................................99
positions of the ignition .........163
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
276

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