
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering
wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Remove the trim ring around the gearshift lever.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
197

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
F16 10A Rear defroster indicator, Heated
mirrors
F17 30A Rear defroster
F18 10A PCM relay coil, Shifter Brake-Shift
Interlock (BSI), Passive
Anti-Theft System (PATS)
module, Fuel relay coil, Brake
lamps, Center High-Mounted Stop
Lamp (CHMSL)
F19 10A Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS)/Traction control module,
All Wheel Drive (AWD) module,
RSS, Heated seat modules
F20 7.5A Cluster, Climate control
F21 7.5A Restraint Control Module (RCM)
F22 7.5A Auxiliary climate control relay
coils, Electrochromatic mirror,
Compass module
F23 7.5A Wiper relay coil, Blower relay coil,
Cluster logic
F24 7.5A Occupant Classification Sensor
(OCS), Passenger Air bag
Deactivation (PAD)
C1 30A Circuit
breakerDelayed accessory (Front
passenger window, Rear passenger
windows [via window switch],
Window switch illumination,
Backlighting
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
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2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
214

A
Accessory delay ..........................66
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................131–132, 139, 141
and child safety seats ............133
description ..............132, 139, 141
disposal ....................................144
driver air bag ..........134, 139, 142
indicator light .................133, 144
operation .................134, 139, 142
passenger air bag ...134, 139, 142
side air bag ..............................139
Air cleaner filter .......................267
Air conditioning ........41, 43, 45, 47
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................202
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................249
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................194
Anti-theft system ......................104
arming the system ..................104
disarming a triggered
system .....................................105
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................267
fluid, checking ........................267
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
fluid, specification ..................272
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................199
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........270
B
Battery .......................................247acid, treating emergencies .....247
jumping a disabled battery ....218
maintenance-free ....................247
replacement, specifications ...267
servicing ..................................247
BeltMinder .................................126
Brakes ........................................194
anti-lock ...................................194
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............194
fluid, checking and adding ....266
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
fluid, specifications .........270, 272
lubricant specifications ..270, 272
parking ....................................195
shift interlock ..........................197
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....268
Cargo cover .................................89
Cargo net .....................................89
Cassette tape player ...................17
Cell phone use ............................88
Certification Label ....................274
Changing a tire .........................163
Child safety restraints ..............145
child safety belts ....................145
Child safety seats ......................148
in front seat ............................149
in rear seat ..............................149
tether anchorage hardware ...152
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............235
instrument panel ....................237
interior .....................................237
interior trim ............................237
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2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Index
Index
279

Roadside assistance ..................209
Roof rack .....................................90
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........130
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ......118, 121–125
Safety Canopy ...........................141
Safety defects, reporting ..........233
Safety restraints ........118, 121–125
belt minder .............................126
extension assembly ................130
for adults .........................122–124
for children .....................144–145
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................119
safety belt maintenance .........130
warning light and chime ........125
Safety seats for children ..........148
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............118
Seats ..........................................106
child safety seats ....................148
front seats .......................106, 109
heated ............................43, 45, 47
memory seat .....................94, 110
second row seats ............111, 114
third row seats ................114–116
Servicing your vehicle ..............240
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................21
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...........163, 165
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................267, 272
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................270, 272Speed control ..............................68
Starting your
vehicle ........................190–191, 193
jump starting ..........................218
Steering wheel
controls ......................................71
tilting .........................................63
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................63
Tires ...........................158–159, 163
alignment ................................177
care ..........................................176
changing ..................163, 165–166
checking the pressure ............161
inspecting and inflating .........160
label .........................................175
replacing ..................................163
rotating ....................................178
safety practices .......................177
sidewall information ...............170
snow tires and chains ............179
spare tire .................................164
terminology .............................159
tire grades ...............................159
treadwear ........................158, 176
Towing .......................................186
recreational towing .................189
trailer towing ..........................186
wrecker ....................................223
Traction control ........................196
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
lubricant specifications ..........272
Transmission .............................197
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....197
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................267
lubricant specifications ..........270
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
283