
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Powertrain MalfunctionSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
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2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Introduction
8

Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Check
engine warning light to come on,
refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
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2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Instrument Cluster
11

Low washer fluid:Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.
•Without Message Center
•With Message Center
Door ajar:Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON position and any
door is open.
•Without Message Center
•With Message Center
Displays which door or the liftgate is
open.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
Bulb warning:Illuminates when one of the exterior front turn lamps or
rear brake/turn/tail lamps bulb has burned out.
•Without Message Center
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Instrument Cluster
14

Function Trade Number
Rear license plate lamps W5WL
High-mount brake lamp LED (see dealer)
Rear tail/stop/turn lamps 3157K
Backup lamps 3156K
Dome lamp (front row) 10W sofitte
Cargo lamp 10W sofitte
Map lamps H6W
Dome lamp (third row) 10W sofitte
Map lamp (overhead console) 906
Stepwell lamp T-562
Front seat footwell 194
Front door mounted courtesy lamp 168
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the
hood.
2. Remove the two retainer pins to
release the headlamp assembly and
pull headlamp assembly forward to
expose the back of the bulb.
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2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Lights
52

4. To remove theparking/turn
bulb, turn the socket on the bottom
of the headlamp assembly
counterclockwise and pull the bulb
straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing tail lamp/backup/turn lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and open the
liftgate to expose the tail lamp
assembly, then remove the retaining
screws for the lamp assembly.
2. Carefully remove the lamp
assembly.
3. Rotate bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove from
lamp assembly.
4. Pull bulb straight out of socket and push in new bulb.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulbs
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified technician.
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Lights
54

3. Press the SET + control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
Resuming a set speed
Press the RESUME control and
release it. This will automatically
return the vehicle to the previously
set speed. The RESUME control will
not work if the vehicle speed is not
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Increasing speed while using speed control
There are two ways to set a higher
speed:
•Press and hold the SET + control
until you get to the desired
speed, then release the control.
You can also use the SET +
control to operate the Tap-Up
function. Press and release this
control to increase the vehicle set speed in small amounts by 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).
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Driver Controls
72

Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT (IF EQUIPPED)
To install floor mats that have a retention post:
Position the floor mat so that the
eyelet is over the pointed end of the
retention post and rotate forward to
lock in. Make sure that the mat does
not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator or the brake pedal.
To remove the floor mat, reverse the
installation procedure.
HOMELINKWIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The HomeLinkWireless Control System, located on the driver’s visor,
provides a convenient way to replace up to three hand-held transmitters
with a single built-in device. This feature will learn the radio frequency
codes of most transmitters to operate garage doors, entry gate operators,
security systems, entry door locks, and home or office lighting.
When programming your HomeLinkWireless Control System to
a garage door or gate, be sure that people and objects are out of
the way to prevent potential harm or damage.
Do not use the HomeLinkWireless Control System with any garage
door opener that lacks safety stop and reverse features as required by
U.S. federal safety standards (this includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982). A garage door which cannot
detect an object, signaling the door to stop and reverse, does not meet
current U.S. federal safety standards. For more information, contact
HomeLinkat:www.homelink.comor1–800–355–3515.
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Driver Controls
75

PARK BRAKE SET.Displayed when the manual park brake is set. If
the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact your dealer
as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer as soon as possible.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER.Displayed when the engine temperature
exceeds safe driving operating range and the vehicle limits engine power
to prevent engine damage.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY.Displayed when the engine temperature
exceeds safe driving operating range and the engine must be shut down
to prevent damage. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and turn off the
engine. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS.Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center high-mount
brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK LEFT OR RIGHT HEADLAMPS.Displayed when the
headlamps are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps
as soon as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer to
Replacing headlamp bulbsin theLightschapter.
CHECK LEFT OR RIGHT PARK LAMPS.Displayed when the park
lamps are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as
soon as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK LEFT OR RIGHT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn
signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as
soon as safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped).Displayed when the
Traction Controlsystem is not operating properly. If this warning stays
on, contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction controlin theDrivingchapter.
CHECK FUEL CAP.Displayed when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap for proper installation. Refer toFuel
filler capin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING-TIRE VERY LOW (if equipped).Displayed when one or
more road tires on your vehicle have very low pressure. When this
warning message is displayed, a warning chime will sound reminding you
to stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible to check your tires for
proper air pressure, leaks and damage. Refer toInspecting and
Inflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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2005 Freestar(win), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Driver Controls
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