
SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 6.0L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s
Guide.
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle—event data recorders—are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
•how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
•how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
•where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected
to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do
not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent,
unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement,
other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful
authority. Other parties may seek to access the information
independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Introduction
6

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Check engine:TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb. Solid
illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
10

Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Check
engine warning light to come on,
refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a brake
system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11

Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant level:Illuminates
when the engine coolant is low. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible,
switch off the engine and let cool.
Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Traction Controlactive:
Illuminates when the Traction
Controlis active. If the light
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately, refer to the
Drivingchapter for more
information.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
There are three factors that can effect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD PLAYER CARE
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.
•Inspect discs before playing. Clean only with an approved CD cleaner
and wipe from the center out.
Don’t:
•Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods
of time.
•Insert more than one disc into each slot of the CD changer magazine.
•Clean using a circular motion.
CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 4.75 in (12 cm)
audio compact discs only. Due to technical incompatibility, certain
recordable and re-recordable compact discs may not function
correctly when used in Ford CD players. Irregular shaped CDs, CDs
with a scratch protection film attached, and CDs with homemade
paper (adhesive) labels should not be inserted into the CD player.
The label may peel and cause the CD to become jammed. It is
recommended that homemade CDs be identified with permanent felt
tip marker rather than adhesive labels. Ballpoint pens may damage
CDs. Please contact your dealer for further information.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Refer to theWarranty Guidefor audio system warranty information. If
service is necessary, see your dealer or qualified technician.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Family Entertainment DVD System
which allows you to watch DVDs, play music CDs, and to plug in and play
video game systems. Please review this material to become familiar with the
Family Entertainment System (FES) features and safety information.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
24

2. DVD/CD chapter/track number.
3. MEDIA COUNTER—displays current viewing time of desired media.
(MINUTES : SECONDS).
4. Audio track number.
5. Audio track description—Language type, 5.1 Dolby, 2 Channel if
available on DVD.
6. Subtitles language type and ON/OFF selection.
7. Viewing angle (of picture) - Adjustable with cursor controls and
ENTER control.
Safety information
Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating the
system and retain for future reference.
•Do not attempt to service, repair or modify the Family Entertainment
DVD System. See your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
•Do not insert foreign objects into the DVD compartment.
The front glass on the flip-down liquid crystal display (LCD) may
break when hit with a hard surface. If the glass breaks, do not
touch the liquid crystalline material. In case of contact with skin, wash
immediately with soap and water.
Do not expose the flip-down liquid crystal display (LCD) to direct
sunlight or intensive ultraviolet rays for extensive periods of
time. Ultraviolet rays deteriorate the liquid crystal.
•Ensure that you review User Manuals for video games and video game
equipment when used as auxiliary inputs for your Family
Entertainment DVD System.
•Do not operate video games or video equipment if the power cords
and/or cables are broken, split or damaged. Carefully place cords
and/or cables where they will not be stepped on or interfere with the
operation of seats and/or compartments.
•Disconnect video games and video equipment power cords and/or
cables when not in use.
•Avoid touching auxiliary input jacks with your fingers. Do not blow on
them or allow them to get wet or dirty.
•Do not clean any part of the DVD player with benzene, paint thinner
or any other solvent.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
36

Whenever a warning notice is received, the radio volume will be
lowered to a volume that will allow the tones to be heard. The
radio volume will return to the previous level after the warning
notice is complete.
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance
Changes or modifications not approved by Ford or Lincoln Mercury could
void user’s authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been
tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, the Family Entertainment System (FES) may cause harmful
interference with radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, (which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on), the user is encouraged to consult the dealer or
an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Care and service of the DVD player
Environmental extremes
DVD players that are subjected to harsh environmental conditions may
be damaged or perform at less than optimal capability. To avoid these
outcomes, whenever possible avoid exposing your DVD player to:
•extremely hot or cold temperatures.
•direct sunlight.
•high humidity.
•a dusty environment.
•locations where strong magnetic fields are generated.
Temperature extremes
When the vehicle is parked under direct sunlight or in an extremely cold
place for a long period of time, wait until the cabin temperature of the
vehicle is at normal temperature before operating the system.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
37

Humidity and moisture condensation
Moisture in the air will condense in the DVD player under extremely
humid conditions or when moving from a cold to a warm location. If
moisture condensation occurs, do not insert a CD or DVD into the
player. If one is already in the player, remove it and turn the DVD player
ON to dry the moisture before inserting a DVD. This could take an hour
or more depending on the amount of moisture.
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen
Clean the display screen by applying a small amount of water or any
ammonia-based household glass cleaner directly to a soft cloth. Rub the
screen gently until the dust, dirt or fingerprints are removed. Do not
spray the screen directly with water or glass cleaning solvents. Overspray
from these fluids could drip down into the internal electronics of the
screen and cause damage. Do not apply excessive pressure while
cleaning the screen.
Foreign substances
Exercise care to prevent dirt and foreign objects from entering the DVD
player compartment. If liquid is accidentally spilled onto the system,
immediately turn the system OFF and consult a qualified service
technician.
Cleaning compact discs
Inspect all discs for contamination before playing. If necessary, clean
discs only with an approved CD cleaner and wipe from the center out to
the edge. Do not wipe in a circular motion.
Cleaning the DVD player
Clean the exterior of the DVD player with a damp cloth. Do not use CD
cleaning kits or CDs intended to clean the interior of your DVD player.
Use of these products may damage your system.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Freestyle(219), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
38