
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.
L (Low)
Provides more engine braking when the accelerator pedal is released
than D (Drive).
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when 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.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the RSS.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
200

Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
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 your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Controlsystem while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
203

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 36,000
miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (2.0 gallons [7.5L], maximum two occurrences within 12
month period)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents, are covered (some
exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theOwner Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Emergencies
209

This switch is located under the
right-hand side of the glove
compartment.
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.
6. Make another check for leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
211

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 burning (cigarettes) 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 ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
240

Electrochromic mirror w/compass and homelink
Electrochromic mirror w/compass and temperature display
Electrochromic mirror w/compass, temperature display and homelink
Floor mats, all weather
Second row console
Lifestyle
Canoe adaptor
Cargo logic system
Cargo net (envelope)
Cargo net floor
Frame mount bike rack adaptor (roof, back end)
Fork mount bike rack adaptor w/ wheel holder
Luggage box—hard sided (roof) 320L, 440L, 480L
Luggage/cargo basket (roof)
Kayak adaptor (roof)
Roof rack raised cross bars
Ski/snowboard carrier adaptor (roof)
Smoker’s package
Peace of mind
Decorative wheel locks
First aid kit
Highway safety kit
Locking gas cap
Non-decorative wheel locks
Remote start
RF keypad
Security systems - vehicle perimeter protection
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Accessories
277

Exhaust fumes ..........................193
F
Fluid capacities .........................268
Foglamps .....................................52
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................202
Fuel ............................................256
calculating fuel
economy ............................77, 260
cap ...........................................257
capacity ...................................268
choosing the right fuel ...........258
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................263
detergent in fuel .....................259
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................256–257, 260
filter, specifications ........260, 267
fuel pump shut-off switch .....210
improving fuel economy ........260
octane rating ...................259, 272
quality ......................................259
running out of fuel .................259
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................256
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......210
Fuses ..........................................211
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................72
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............257
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................260
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................210Head restraints .................106, 110
Headlamps ...................................51
aiming ........................................54
autolamp system .......................51
bulb specifications ....................56
daytime running lights .............52
flash to pass ..............................53
high beam .................................53
replacing bulbs .........................57
turning on and off ....................51
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...............39, 41, 43, 45, 47
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................72
Hood ..........................................241
I
Ignition ...............................190, 272
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................148
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................265
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................237
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and interior .53
J
Jack ............................................163
positioning ...............................163
storage .....................................163
Jump-starting your vehicle ......218
K
Keyless entry system .................98
autolock .....................................99
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
281

Keys
positions of the ignition .........190
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................51
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................56
daytime running light ...............52
fog lamps ...................................52
headlamps ...........................51, 57
headlamps, flash to pass ..........53
instrument panel, dimming .....53
interior lamps .....................55, 57
replacing bulbs ...................56–60
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................55
Liftgate ........................................88
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........194
Load limits .................................180
Locks
autolock .....................................99
childproof ..................................92
doors ..........................................91
Lubricant specifications ...270, 272
Lug nuts ....................................170
Luggage rack ...............................90
Lumbar support, seats .....107–108
M
Message center ...........................76
english/metric button ...............81
system check button ................81
warning messages .....................82
Mirrors ...................................63, 67automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................67
fold away ...................................67
side view mirrors (power) .......67
Moon roof ....................................72
Motorcraft parts ................260, 267
O
Octane rating ............................259
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................243
P
Parking brake ............................195
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....267
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................119
Power adjustable foot pedals .....68
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................214
Power door locks ........................91
Power mirrors .............................67
Power point .................................64
Power steering ..........................197
fluid, checking and adding ....265
fluid, refill capacity ................268
fluid, specifications .........270, 272
Power Windows ...........................65
R
Radio ......................................17, 20
Relays ........................................211
Remote entry system .................93
illuminated entry ......................97
Reverse sensing system ...........200
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
282