
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated if wheelslip or skidding is detected,
optimizing your stopping distance and allowing you to retain steering
control.
Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTracsystem)
The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.
When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
216

•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

Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue — Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural — Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses. To remove
the fuse panel cover, pull up on the latch on the right or left side of the
cover.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
229

Auxiliary relay box (cooling fans)
The relay box is located in the engine compartment by the radiator.
Fuse/Relay
locationFuse amp
ratingDescription
1 — Cooling fan relay #4
2 — Cooling fan relay #5
3 — Cooling fan relay #3
4 — Cooling fan relay #1
5 — Cooling fan relay #2
6 40A* Right-hand cooling fan motor (Vehicles with
trailer tow package only)
7 15A** Low-speed cooling fan circuit breaker
(Vehicles with trailer tow package only)
8 40A* Left-hand cooling fan motor (Vehicles with
trailer tow package)
10A** Low-speed cooling fan circuit breaker
(Vehicles without trailer tow package)
* Maxi fuse **Circuit breaker
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
•If your low tire warning light is on, refer toLow tire warningin this
chapter.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
236

•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32–A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
267

the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
295

wheels ......................................265
wiper blades ............................266
Clock ............................................63
Compass, electronic ....................56
calibration .................................57
set zone adjustment .................57
Console ........................................72
overhead ..............................55–56
Controls
power seat ...............................111
steering column ........................71
Coolant
checking and adding ..............280
refill capacities ................284, 303
specifications ..................304, 306
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................68
Cupholder(s) .............................114
Customer Assistance ................226
Ford Extended Service Plan .261
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............261
Getting roadside assistance ...226
Getting the service
you need .................................254
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................262
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............260
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................44
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................296
engine oil .................................274
Doors ...........................................58lubricant specifications ..........304
power sliding ............................59
Driving under special
conditions ..................................223
through water .........................225
DVD system .................................32
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................246
Emission control system ..........293
Engine ........................................306
cleaning ...................................265
coolant .....................................280
idle speed control ...................277
lubrication
specifications ..................304, 306
refill capacities ........................303
service points ..................272–273
starting after a collision .........227
Engine block heater .................215
Engine oil ..................................274
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................274
checking and adding ..............274
dipstick ....................................274
filter, specifications ........276, 302
recommendations ...................276
refill capacities ........................303
specifications ..................304, 306
Exhaust fumes ..........................214
F
Floor mats ...................................72
Fluid capacities .........................303
Fuel ............................................285
calculating fuel economy .......290
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
313

Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........134, 137, 139–141
Safety Canopy ...........................159
Safety defects, reporting ..........263
Safety
restraints ...........134, 137, 139–141
belt minder .............................143
extension assembly ................147
for adults .........................139–141
for children .....................162–163
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................135
safety belt maintenance .........147
warning light and
chime ...............................142–143
Safety seats for children ..........169
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................308
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............134
Seats ..........................................109
child safety seats ....................169
front seats .......109–110, 112–113
memory seat ...................100, 113
second row seats ....115–116, 119
third row
seats .................119, 127, 131–133
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................106
Servicing your vehicle ..............270
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...........237, 239
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................302, 306
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................304, 306
Speed control ..............................68
Starting your vehicle ........212–214jump starting ..........................246
Steering wheel
controls ......................................71
tilting .........................................55
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................55
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....194
Tires ...................................180–181
alignment ................................186
care ..........................................184
changing ..................237, 239, 241
checking the pressure ............182
inspecting and inflating .........182
label .........................................193
replacing ..................................188
rotating ....................................186
safety practices .......................185
sidewall information ...............188
snow tires and chains ............199
spare tire .................................238
terminology .............................181
tire grades ...............................181
treadwear ........................180, 185
Towing .......................................206
recreational towing .................211
trailer towing ..........................206
wrecker ....................................252
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............220
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
lubricant specifications ..........306
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....220
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................296
lubricant specifications ..........304
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
316