2005 FORD FREESTAR automatic transmission

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
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 yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
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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 theScheduled Maintenance Guideto 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
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Spark plug gap 0.052–0.054 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.054 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)
Compression ratio 9.36:1 9.27:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Wagon - inches
(mm)Van - inches (mm)
(1) Overall length 201.0 (5105) 201.0 (5105)
(2) Overall width 76.4 (1941) 76.4 (1941)
(3) Overall height 68.5 (1740)
168.8 (1748)2
(4) Wheelbase 120.8 (3069) 120.8 (3069)
(5) Track - Front 64.7 (1644) 64.7 (1644)
(5) Track - Rear 62.8 (1595) 62.8 (1595)
1Equipped with P225/60R16 tires.
2Equipped with P235/60R16 tires.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................68
AdvanceTrac ..............................222
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................149–150, 156, 158and child safety seats ............151
description ..............150, 156, 158
disposal ....................................162
driver air bag ..........152, 157, 160
indicator light .................156, 161
operation .................152, 157, 160
passenger air bag ...152, 157, 160
side air bag ..............................156
Air cleaner filter .......288–289, 293
Air filter, cabin ............................44
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................271
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................221–222
Anti-theft system ......................110 arming the system ..................111
disarming a triggered
system .....................................111
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transaxle .................225 fluid, adding ............................286
fluid, checking ........................286
fluid, refill capacities ..............294
fluid, specification ..................297
Automatic transmission driving an automatic
overdrive .................................227
Auxiliary power point .................66
Axle lubricant specifications ..........295 B
Battery .......................................269
acid, treating emergencies .....269
jumping a disabled battery ....241
maintenance-free ....................269
replacement, specifications ...293
servicing ..................................269
BeltMinder .................................144
Brakes ........................................221 anti-lock ...........................221–222
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................221
fluid, checking and adding ....286
fluid, refill capacities ..............294
fluid, specifications .........295, 297
lubricant specifications ..295, 297
parking ....................................222
shift interlock ..........................225
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....294
Cargo net .....................................92
Cassette tape player .......18, 20, 26
Cell phone use ............................74
Certification Label ....................299
Child safety restraints ..............162 child safety belts ....................162
Child safety seats ......................165 in front seat ............................167
in rear seat ..............................167
tether anchorage hardware ...169
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............258
instrument panel ....................260
interior .....................................260
interior trim ............................260
plastic parts ............................259
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washing ....................................257
waxing .....................................257
wheels ......................................258
wiper blades ............................259
Clock ............................................66
Compass, electronic ....................59 calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................60
Console ........................................74 overhead ....................................58
Controls power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................74
Coolant checking and adding ..............271
refill capacities ................275, 294
specifications ..................295, 297
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Cupholder(s) .............................117
Customer Assistance ................231 Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................262
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................254
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............255
Getting roadside assistance ...231
Getting the service you
need .........................................248
Ordering additional owner ’s
literature .................................255
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................251
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................253 D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................286
engine oil .................................266
Doors ...........................................61 lubricant specifications ..........295
power sliding ............................62
Driving under special
conditions ..................................228 through water .........................230
E
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................241
Emission control system ..........283
Engine ........................................297 cleaning ...................................258
coolant .....................................271
idle speed control ...................269
lubrication
specifications ..................295, 297
refill capacities ........................294
service points ..................265 –266
starting after a collision .........232
Engine block heater .................220
Engine oil ..................................266 change oil soon warning,
message center .......................266
checking and adding ..............266
dipstick ....................................266
filter, specifications ........268, 293
recommendations ...................268
refill capacities ........................294
specifications ..................295, 297
Exhaust fumes ..........................220
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Transaxleautomatic operation ...............225
fluid, refill capacities ..............294
lubricant specifications ..........297
Transmission brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....225
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................286
lubricant specifications ..........295
Turn signal ..................................49
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................297
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................299
Vehicle loading ..........................208
Ventilating your vehicle ...........220 W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid ..............................266
Water, Driving through .............230
Windows power .........................................68
rear wiper/washer .....................56
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................56
checking and adding fluid .....266
liftgate reservoir .....................266
replacing wiper blades .............57
Wrecker towing .........................247
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