2005 FORD FREESTAR transmission fluid

Liftgate ajar Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON
Check left park lamp
Check right park lamp
Check left headlamp
Check fuel cap
Check right headlamp
Check left turn lamp
Washer fluid low
Check right turn lamp
Change oil soon
Check tires/low tire pressure
(if equipped)
Tire pressure monitor fault (if
equipped)
Tire pressure sensor fault (if
equipped)
Check brake lamps
Turn signal on reminder
DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side door is
not completely closed.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s rear door is not
completely closed.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger side rear
door is not completely closed.
LIFTGATE AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate is not completely closed.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Check the transmission fluid and level. Refer toTransmission
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer for transmission
service as soon as possible.
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Driver Controls
84

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 lamps section in this chapter for additional
information. Do not tow above 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) without the
manufacturer-installed trailer tow package.
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 to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
• Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving
while you tow in this chapter.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special Operating Conditions in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles
(800 km).
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
213

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.9L/4.2L V6 engines
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
576894
10321
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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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Index
Index
303