2006 FORD FREESTAR brakes

•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The TRAC ACTIVE indicator light will illuminate
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracoperation.
If the AdvaceTrac system is activated for an extended period of time, the
brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes to cool
down. A limited AdvanceTracfunction using only engine power
reduction will still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool-down period.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTracsystem. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTracsensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracevent
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
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.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump reservoir
fluid level (below the MIN mark on 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.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
219

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift
Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over
time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Drive) or 3. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Drive) gives
the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control
start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Once you place the gearshift
lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use
the accelerator as necessary.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
221

The RSS is automatically enabled
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
The park aid disable switch allows
the driver to disable the RSS only
when the ignition is ON, and the
gear selector is in R (Reverse). The
OFF indicator remains illuminated
when the system is disabled. If the
indicator light illuminates when the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate
a failure in the RSS.
The system defaults toenabledevery time the ignition is turned on.
Press the control to disable or enable the system.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
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 wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
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 stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.OFF
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
225

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
296

A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................217
Air cleaner filter ...............298, 302
Air filter, cabin ............................42
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................148–149, 157, 159
and child safety seats ............150
description ..............149, 157, 159
disposal ....................................162
driver airbag ............151, 158, 160
indicator light .................157, 162
operation .................151, 158, 160
passenger airbag .....151, 158, 160
side airbag ...............................157
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................215–216
Anti-theft system ......................107
arming the system ..................108
disarming a triggered
system .....................................108
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transaxle .................220
fluid, adding ............................296
fluid, checking ........................296
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
fluid, specification ..................306
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................221
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........304
B
Battery .......................................277acid, treating emergencies .....277
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................277
replacement, specifications ...302
servicing ..................................277
BeltMinder .................................143
Brakes ........................................215
anti-lock ...........................215–216
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............216
fluid, checking and adding ....296
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant
specifications ..................304, 306
parking ....................................217
shift interlock ..........................220
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....303
Cargo net .....................................88
Cassette tape player .......18, 20, 23
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............163
child safety belts ....................163
Child safety seats ......................169
in front seat ............................171
in rear seat ..............................171
tether anchorage hardware ...173
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............265
instrument panel ....................267
interior .....................................267
interior trim ............................267
plastic parts ............................266
washing ....................................264
waxing .....................................264
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
312

headlamps, flash to pass ..........45
instrument panel, dimming .....45
interior lamps .....................47–49
replacing bulbs .............49, 51–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................47
Liftgate ............................84, 88, 96
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........216
Load limits .................................200
Locks
autolock ...................................103
childproof ..................................93
doors ..........................................91
Low tire warning .........................15
Lubricant specifications ...304, 306
Lug nuts ....................................246
Luggage rack ...............................88
Lumbar support, seats .............113
M
Message center ...........................76
english/metric button ...............78
system check button ................79
warning messages .....................79
Mirrors ...................................55, 66
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................66
fold away ...................................68
heated ........................................67
programmable memory ..........100
side view mirrors (power) .......67
signal .........................................67
Motorcraft parts ........268, 285, 302
O
Octane rating ............................289Oil (see Engine oil) ..................274
Overdrive ...................................221
P
Parking brake ............................217
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....302
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................135
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............68
Power adjustable foot pedals .....68
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................232
Power door locks ................91, 103
Power liftgate ........................84, 96
Power mirrors .............................67
Power point .................................63
Power steering ..........................219
fluid, checking and adding ....295
fluid, refill capacity ................303
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
Power Windows ...........................65
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 26
Relays ........................................228
Remote entry system .................95
illuminated entry ................45, 99
locking/unlocking doors .....91, 95
Reverse sensing system ...........223
Roadside assistance ..................226
Roof rack .....................................88
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........147
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
315