2004 FORD FREESTAR trailer

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (68 kg [150 lbs]).Consult your dealership (or
the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your dealership) for
more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight– refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 2268 kg (5000 lbs.) conventional trailer, multiply 5000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 227 to 340 kg
(500 to 750 lbs.). For an 5216 kg (11,500 lbs.) fifth wheel trailer,
multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 782
to 1304 kg (1,725 to 2,875 lbs.)
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable either of towing Class I trailers or up to Class II
trailers when equipped with the optional trailer tow package.
If your vehicle does not have the optional trailer tow package your
vehicle is partially prepped for trailer tow lamp wiring but you will also
need to install electrical kit 3F2Z-15A416-A. This kit contains fuses and
relays to isolate the vehicle lighting circuitry from the trailer lighting and
an adapter wiring harness containing the standard 4-pin trailer plug.
Refer to theTrailer lampssection in this chapter for additional
information.Do not tow above 907 kg (2000 lbs) without the
manufacturer-installed trailer tow package.
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If your vehicle has the optional trailer tow package it comes with heavy
duty cooling fans, auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, an auxiliary engine
oil cooler (4.2L engine only), heavy duty battery, trailer tow wiring
(including fuses and relays to isolate the vehicle lighting circuitry from
the trailer lighting) and a kit (in a cardboard box) that includes an
adapter wiring harness that contains the standard 4-pin trailer plug.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special Operating Conditionsin the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Vehicle towing capability/Trailer
hitch requirementTrailer
Model/
EngineGCWR -
kg (lbs)Hitch type
requiredTrailer Weight
range - kg
(lbs)Tongue load
Van, 3.9L
3175
(7000)
Class I
Non-Equalizing
Weight
Carrying
0 - 907
(0 - 2000)10–15% of TW
(91 kg [200
lbs.] maximum) Wagon,
3.9L
Wagon,
4.2L3266
(7200)
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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
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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
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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
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