Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not“pump”the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
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
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
207
plastic parts ............................236
washing ....................................234
waxing .....................................234
wheels ......................................235
wiper blades ............................236
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .....................41, 43, 45, 47
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................21
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................79
Console ..................................87–88
overhead ..............................63–64
Controls
power seat ...............................108
steering column ........................71
Coolant
checking and adding ..............249
refill capacities ................255, 268
specifications ..................270, 272
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................68
Customer Assistance ................209
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................239
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................231
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............232
Getting roadside assistance ...209
Getting the service
you need .................................225
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................233
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................228
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............231D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................52
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................267
engine oil .................................243
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........270
Driving under special
conditions ..........................203, 206
sand .........................................204
snow and ice ...........................206
through water .................205, 207
E
Electronic message center .........76
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................218
Emission control system ..........263
Engine ........................................272
cleaning ...................................235
coolant .....................................249
idle speed control ...................247
lubrication
specifications ..................270, 272
refill capacities ........................268
service points ..........................242
starting after a collision .........210
Engine block heater .................193
Engine oil ..................................243
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................243
checking and adding ..............243
dipstick ....................................243
filter, specifications ........246, 267
recommendations ...................246
refill capacities ........................268
specifications ..................270, 272
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
280
