2005 FORD FREESTAR brake light

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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
224

1 (First)
•Transaxle operates in first gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Control
or AdvanceTrac
system
off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck
vehicle. For more information, refer toTraction Control
(if equipped)
orAdvanceTrac
stability enhancement system (if equipped)in this
chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at“parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
228

The RSS is automatically enabled
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
The park aid disable switch allows
the driver to disable the RSS only
when the ignition is ON, and the
gear selector is in R (Reverse). The
OFF indicator remains illuminated
when the system is disabled. If the
indicator light illuminates when the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate
a failure in the RSS.
The system defaults toenabledevery time the ignition is turned on.
Press the control to disable or enable the system.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.OFF
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
230

Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
242

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
263

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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar (win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),
Market: USA_English (fus)
Index
Index
303

L
Lampsautolamp system .......................45
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
daytime running light ...............46
headlamps .................................45
headlamps, flash to pass ..........47
instrument panel, dimming .....47
interior lamps .....................49 –51
replacing bulbs ...................51 –55
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................49
Liftgate ....................88 –89, 93, 100
Lights, warning and indicator ....10 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........221
Load limits .................................208
Locks autolock ...........................104, 107
childproof ..................................96
doors ..........................................95
Low tire warning .........15, 201, 206
Lubricant specifications ...295, 297
Lug nuts ....................................192
Luggage rack ...............................93
Lumbar support, seats .............115
M
Message center ...........................79 english/metric button ...............82
system check button ................82
warning messages .....................83
Mirrors ...................................58, 69 automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................69
fold away ...................................70 heated ........................................70
programmable memory ..........105
side view mirrors (power) .......69
signal .........................................70
Motorcraft parts ................280, 293
O
Octane rating ............................279
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................266
Overdrive ...................................226
P
Parking brake ............................222
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....293
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................136
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................71
Power adjustable foot pedals .....71
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................237
Power door locks ........95, 104, 107
Power liftgate ......................89, 100
Power mirrors .............................69
Power point .................................66
Power steering ..........................225 fluid, checking and adding ....286
fluid, refill capacity ................294
fluid, specifications .........295, 297
Power Windows ...........................68
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 26
Relays ........................................233
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar (win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),
Market: USA_English (fus)
Index
306

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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002),
Market: USA_English (fus)
Index
308