2005 FORD FREESTAR steering wheel

with a message center will also have CHECK ADVANCETRAC shown in
the display. Have the vehicle system serviced immediately.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTrac
system may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac
performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac

operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The TRAC ACTIVE indicator light will illuminate
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac
operation.
If the AdvaceTrac system is activated for an extended period of time, the
brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes to cool
down. A limited AdvanceTrac
function using only engine power
reduction will still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool-down period.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
system. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac
sensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac
event
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
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2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Driving
224

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 4 (ON) position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the 4 (ON) position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Insert the key and turn it to the 3
(OFF) position.Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
3
1
2
5
4
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Driving
225

Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey———
3A Violet Violet———
4A Pink Pink———
5A Tan Tan———
7.5A Brown Brown———
10A Red Red———
15A Blue Blue———
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural———
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A——Orange Green Green
50A——Red Red Red
60A——Blue—Yellow
70A——Ta n—Brown
80A——Natural—Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses. To remove
the fuse panel cover, pull up on the latch on the right or left side of the
cover.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
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Roadside Emergencies
234

•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
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Cleaning
260

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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Maintenance and Specifications
286

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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Index
304

Remote entry system .................99illuminated entry ......47, 102 –103
locking/unlocking doors .....95, 99
Reverse sensing system ...........228
Roadside assistance ..................231
Roof rack .....................................93
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........148
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................135, 138 –142
Safety Canopy ...........................158
Safety defects, reporting ..........256
Safety restraints ........135, 138 –142
belt minder .............................144
extension assembly ................148
for adults .........................139 –141
for children .............................162
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................136
safety belt maintenance .........148
warning light and chime 143 –144
Safety seats for children ..........165
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............135
Seats ..........................................112 child safety seats ....................165
front seats ...............112, 114 –115
memory seat ...................105, 115
second row seats ............118, 121
third row seats ...............121, 128, 132–133
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................109
Servicing your vehicle ..............263
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...182, 184 Spark plugs,
specifications .....................293, 297
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................295, 297
Speed control ..............................71
Starting your vehicle ........217
–219
jump starting ..........................241
Steering wheel controls ......................................74
tilting .........................................57
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................57
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Maintenance and
Specifications ..........................202
Tire warning ..............................206
Tires ...........................176 –177, 206
alignment ................................199
care ..........................................197
changing ..................182, 184, 187
checking the pressure ............179
inspecting and inflating .........178
label .........................................197
replacing ..................................180
rotating ....................................199
safety practices .......................198
sidewall information ...............192
snow tires and chains ............208
spare tire .................................183
terminology .............................177
tire grades ...............................177
treadwear ........................176, 197
Towing .......................................213 recreational towing .................216
trailer towing ..........................213
wrecker ....................................247
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2005 Freestar (win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),
Market: USA_English (fus)
Index
307