2005 FORD FREESTYLE Idle speed control

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
191

Understanding the gearshift positions of the
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT)
The CVT is a fully automatic transaxle that electronically monitors
vehicle system inputs and outputs and driver demands to select the
desired drive ratio. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles,
the CVT continually adjusts the optimum overall drive ratio between
engine and drive wheels for all operating conditions.
As traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles shift up or down in
gears, this shifting in gear ratios is noticeable by increasing and
decreasing engine RPM which causes a slight energy loss as the gears
change. The gear changes can be felt by the driver.
With the CVT, there is no energy transfer loss from shifting because
there is no gear shifting up or down. Acceleration up to vehicle operating
speed is smooth and continuous; uninterrupted by gear shifting. The
same holds true for coasting down to idle; smooth and continuous.
Unlike traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles, the CVT offers
more responsive performance and increased fuel economy.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
199

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