Page 17 of 320
•With Message Center
To reset, press and hold the
message center RESET button for
three seconds to reset.
Tachometer:Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The arrow near the fuel pump icon
indicates which side of the vehicle
the fuel filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
17
Page 36 of 320
In theandmodes:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Select A/C and recirculated air
. Usewith A/C to provide
colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to full heat.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
36
Page 41 of 320

19.REAR:Press to enable the control located in the rear seat. Press
again to turn the auxiliary system off.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
airflow selector in the OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In AUTO mode, press AUTO control and set to desired temperature.
In manual override control, select
or, A/C and recirculated
air
and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C). Set the fan to the
highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain passenger comfort.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
41
Page 64 of 320
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power
point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
There are up to three auxiliary power points in the following locations:
•Located on the instrument panel.
•Located next to the second row
seat.
•Located on the right trim panel in
the rear cargo area.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
64
Page 81 of 320

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS.Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center high-mount
brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK LEFT OR RIGHT HEADLAMPS.Displayed when the
headlamps are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps
as soon as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer to
Replacing headlamp bulbsin theLightschapter.
CHECK LEFT OR RIGHT PARK LAMPS.Displayed when the park
lamps are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as
soon as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK LEFT OR RIGHT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn
signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as
soon as safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE.Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInspecting and Inflating Your
Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT.Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT.Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to
come on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty.
WASHER FLUID LOW.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer toWindshield
washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHANGE OIL SOON.Displayed when the engine oil life remaining is 5
percent or less. When oil life left is between 5% and 0%, the CHANGE
OIL SOON message will be displayed. When oil life left reaches 0%, the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be displayed.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
81
Page 82 of 320
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 180 days] perform the
following:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
2. Press and release the RESET
control to display “OIL LIFE XX%
HOLD RESET NEW”.
3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to display “IF
NEW OIL HOLD RESET”.
4. Press and hold the RESET
control to display “OIL LIFE SET
TO 100%”. Your oil life is now reset.
To reset the oil monitoring system to your personalized oil life %:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
82
Page 105 of 320

5. Turn the ignition back to the 4 (ON) position. The horn will chirp.
6. Press the unlock control, then press the lock control. The horn will
chirp once if autolock was deactivated or twice (one short and one long
chirp) if autolock was activated.
7. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position. The horn will chirp once to
confirm the procedure is complete.
SECURILOCKPASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
SecuriLockpassive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization
system. This system is designed to help prevent the engine from being
started unless acoded key programmed to your vehicleis used. The
SecuriLockpassive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford
aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in
vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection.
Anti-theft indicator
The anti-theft indicator is located on top of the instrument panel.
•When the ignition is in the 3 (OFF) position, the indicator will flash
once every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLocksystem is
functioning as a theft deterrent.
•When the ignition is in the 4 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for
3 seconds to indicate normal system functionality.
If a problem occurs with the SecuriLocksystem, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the 4 (ON) position. If
this occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for
service.
Key information
Your vehicle is supplied withtwo coded keys.Only acoded keywill
start your vehicle. Spare coded keys may be purchased from an
authorized dealer. An authorized dealer can also program yourcoded
key,or you can do it yourself. Refer toProgramming spare keysin this
chapter.
The following items may prevent the vehicle from starting:
•Large metallic objects.
•Electronic devices on the key chain that can be used to purchase
gasoline or similar items.
•A second key on the same key ring as thecoded key.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
105
Page 106 of 320

If any of these items are present, you need to prevent these objects from
touching thecoded keywhile starting the engine. These objects cannot
damage thecoded key,but may cause a momentary “no start” condition
if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem
occurs, turn the ignition to the 2 (OFF) position and restart the engine
with all other objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key.
Check to make sure thecoded keyis an approvedcoded key.
If your keys are lost or stolen, you will need to do the following:
•Use your spare key to start the vehicle, or
•Have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer or a locksmith. The
key codes will need to be erased from your vehicle and new codes will
need to be re-coded.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly and you may want to store an
extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to prevent
an unforeseen inconvenience.
The correctcoded keymust be used for your vehicle. The use of the
wrongcoded keymay lead to a “no start” condition.
If an unprogrammed key is used in the ignition, it will cause a
“no start” condition.
Programming spare keys
A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle. Only
SecuriLockkeys can be used. To program acoded keyyourself, you
will need two previously programmedcoded keys(keys that already
operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily
accessible for timely implementation of each step in the procedure.
If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must
bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare coded
key(s) programmed.
Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
106