transmission FORD FREESTAR 2004 1.G Owner's Manual

•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
245

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

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
249

Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
250

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

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

Transmission/Transaxle code designations
You can find a transmission/transaxle code on the vehicle certification
label which is located on the door pillar. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle each code represents.
Truck application:
Code Transmission Description
Manual transmission
M Manual 5–speed overdrive (Mazda R2)
C Manual 5–speed overdrive (Close ratio)
W Manual 5–speed overdrive (Dana ZF)
G Manual 6–speed ZF
Automatic transmission
U Automatic 4–speed overdrive (4R70W)
T Automatic 4–speed overdrive (4R44E)
E Automatic 4–speed overdrive (4R100)
J Automatic 5–speed overdrive (5R55E)
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
270

Code Transmission Description
Electric
H One speed electric
D Automatic 5–speed overdrive (5R44E)
R Automatic 5–speed overdrive (5R55S)
Passenger car application:
Code Transmission/Transaxle Description
Front wheel drive manual transaxle
R 5–speed overdrive (MTX75)
W 5–speed overdrive (M5)
Front wheel drive automatic transaxle
E 4–speed overdrive (4FE)
J 3–speed (Mazda)
L 4–speed overdrive (AX4S)
P 4–speed overdrive (4F20E)
X 4–speed overdrive (4F50N)
Y 4–speed overdrive (CD4E)
Rear wheel drive manual transaxle
5 5–speed (Mazda M5)
Rear wheel drive automatic transmission
U 4–speed overdrive (4R70W)
A 5–speed overdrive (5R55N)
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
271

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

waxing .....................................219
wheels ......................................220
wiper blades ............................221
Clock ............................................62
Compass, electronic ....................54
calibration .................................56
set zone adjustment .................55
Console ........................................70
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................69
Coolant
checking and adding ..............233
refill capacities ................237, 264
specifications ..................265–266
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................66
Cupholder(s) .............................106
Customer Assistance ................184
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................223
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................212
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...184
Getting the service you
need .........................................210
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................217
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................212
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................215D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................248
engine oil .................................228
Doors ...........................................57
lubricant specifications ..........265
power sliding ............................58
Driving under special
conditions ..................................174
through water .........................176
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emission control system ..........245
Engine ................................266–267
cleaning ...................................220
coolant .....................................233
idle speed control ...................231
lubrication
specifications ..................265–266
refill capacities ........................264
service points ..................227–228
starting after a collision .........185
Engine block heater .................166
Engine oil ..................................228
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................228
checking and adding ..............228
dipstick ....................................228
filter, specifications ........230, 263
recommendations ...................230
refill capacities ........................264
specifications ..................265–266
Exhaust fumes ..........................166
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
275