check transmission fluid FORD FREESTAR 2004 1.G Owners Manual

Liftgate ajar Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON
Check left park lamp
Check right park lamp
Check left headlamp
Check fuel cap
Check right headlamp
Check left turn lamp
Washer fluid low
Check right turn lamp
Change oil soon
Check brake lamps
Check tires Warning returns upon another event
Turn signal on reminder
DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side door is
not completely closed.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s rear door is not
completely closed.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side rear
door is not completely closed.
LIFTGATE AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate is not completely closed.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and specificationschapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission
service as soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE SET.Displayed when the manual park brake is set. If
the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact your dealer
as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer as soon as possible.
2004 Windstar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
80

STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Insert the key and turn it to the
position between 2 (OFF/LOCK)
and 3 (RUN). A detent position will
be felt between positions 2 and 3.
Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral) . The positions of
the ignition are as follows: 1 –
ACCESSORY , 2 – OFF/LOCK, 3 –
RUNand4–START.
When the key is in position between OFF/LOCK and RUN, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4
3
2
1
2004 Windstar (win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
171

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

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

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