trailer FORD FREESTAR 2004 1.G User Guide

Vehicle towing capability/Trailer
hitch requirementTrailer
Wagon,
3.9L with
trailer
tow
option3856
(8500)
Class II
Non-Equalizing
Weight
Carrying0 - 1588
(0 - 3500)10–15% of TW
(159 kg [350
lbs.] maximum) Wagon,
4.2L with
trailer
tow
option3946
(8700)
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of control
and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch that does not exceed your vehicle’s capability. See the
Tongue Loadsection in the trailer towing chart earlier in this section for
range details on a specific trailer load.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the hook retainers on the
hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
181

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

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
It is not recommended to tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front
drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
183

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
8 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) #2
(coil power)
9 30A** Power liftgate
10 30A** SJB accessory #1 (passenger
window, radio, vent windows)
11 30A** Left power seat/heated seat
12 40A** ABS #1 (pump motor)
13 40A** Rear defroster
14 30A** Front climate control system
blower motor
15 30A** Right power seat/heated seat
16 30A** Left-hand power sliding door
20 Mini relay Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
power
21 Mini relay Horn
22 Micro relay A/C clutch
23 Micro relay High beams
24 Mini relay Starter
25 Micro relay Fuel pump
26 — Not used
27 — Not used
28 Mini relay Auxiliary blower
29 Micro relay Trailer park lamps
30 Micro relay Left trailer stop/turn lamps
31 Micro relay Right trailer stop/turn lamps
32 Mini relay Rear defroster
40 15A* Engine #1 (A/C relay coil, IMRC,
HEGO sensors, Canister purge,
Transaxle, Canister vent)
41 25A* Horn
42 10A* A/C clutch
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
191

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
43 15A* Engine #2 (Cooling fan relays,
Injectors, PCM, MAF sensor, IAC,
Ignition coil, ESM)
44 10A* Heated PCV
45 15A* High beams
46 20A* Trailer stop/turn lamps
47 15A* Fuel pump driver module
48 — Not used
49 10A* PCM KAP
50 10A* Alternator
51 10A* Adjustable pedals (non-memory)
or memory module
52 20A* Trailer tow park lamps
53 10A* Heated mirrors
54 30A* Front wiper motor
55 25A* Rear wiper motor
56 30A* Premium sound radio
57 20A* Cigar lighter
58 30A* SJB #1 – Center High-Mounted
Stop Lamp (CHMSL), License
plate lamps, OBD II, Dome lamp,
Auxiliary blend doors, Switch
illumination (feeds F–8, F–9, F–10
and F–11)
59 20A* Radio (non-premium)
60 30A* SJB #4 – Back-up lamps, Theft
sounder, Door locks
61 20A* 3rd row power point
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
192

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

Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
248

Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems - DVD
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Airbag anti-theft locks
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
273

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