What kinds of brake fluid for a manual 1996 Ford Windstar?

I think you should buy repair manual first for your vehicle after that it will be easy for you to solve the problem. Check the link may be you will find something useful here
Ford Windstar 1999 to 2003 Factory Service repair manual

replace the bad hose then bleed all 4wheels. Replace fluid lost in this process.
if you live in a high rust area hold the line in place while turning the hose to break loose. once loose soak line nut with brake fluid.
no other oil can be used or it might contaminate the fluid and cause failure of braking system.

try checking your brake fluid level it may be low or your mater cylinder may need replacing, also may need to replace brakes, you can get manual for your windstar they are about 20 bucks ant most auto stores

Climb under the driver's side of the dashboard with a flashlight and box wrench set.

2

Shine the flashlight on the Windstar's brake pedal arm to illuminate the brake switch. Unplug the brake light circuit connector from the brake switch.

3

Unbolt the Windstar's brake switch from its mounting bracket with the box wrench set.

4

Bolt the Windstar's replacement brake switch onto the bracket with the box wrench set.

5

Plug the brake light circuit connector into the brake switch

Read more: How Do I Change the Brake Switch on a 1996 Ford Windstar? ' eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7624548_do-switch-1996-ford-windstar.html#ixzz1CSAaHtlA

check your master cylinderr fluid level. If full brakes may be worn badly or master cyoinder may be going bad.. if brakes are ok change brake sending unit usually located on master cylinder. do noty drive until you are positive your brakes are good. if fluid level is low in master look for brake fluid under car usually on back of wheel.if no brake fluid on back of wheel inspect brake lines for a hole usually rusted through. if this is helpful please leave me positive feedback.

Abs light on means the ABS sytem has a fault.
You can determine what is wrong by counting the flashes (they say) and then put the data in on the web.

IE abs, windstar, failure, 3 flashes.

The brake light on is most likely picking up on uneven brake pressure, or a failing master cylinder/
You may not feel any difference yet, give it a little time, feel for a pedal fade at a light.

YOUR VAN HAS THE KELSEY HAYES EBC5H UNIT.THIS IS ALSO USED ON CHRYSLER TRUCK + VANS .ALSO FORD USES THIS ABS BRAKE SYSTEM.IN ORDER TO BLEED THIS BRAKE SYSTEM YOU NEED A DRB 111 SCAN TOOL OR EQUIVALENT.THE SCAN TOOL HAS TO CYCLE THE HCU PUMP AND SOLENOIDS IN ORDER TO BLEED BRAKES.

one reason for that fuse to blow is a bad brake pressure switch on the master cylinder. could be a
warranty/recall item. can also leak brake fluid. also check behind each wheel for any sign of brake fluid,
particularly the rear wheels if you have rear drum brakes. fixed one here recently where the vehicle's jack
came loose in the right rear compartment and short that circuit. make sure your jack is stowed properly.

good luck

relase your hand brake also loose the brake adjustment to get gap between the darum and shoes.

No need to run the engine. Start the bleed procedure from the caliper farthest from the master cylinder, and work toward it. This means bleed the passenger rear first, then the driver rear, then passenger front, then driver front. Don't stop bleeding any caliper until you get three or so consecutive streams of air-free fluid through the bleeder. Monitor the level of fluid in the cylinder, and be sure the cap is on while bleeding - only open it to add additional fluid as needed.