STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
3
1
2
5
4
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Driving
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•Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. When the engine starts, release
the key.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
1
2
34
5
3
1
2
5
4
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Driving
214
•Theindicator may come on. For more information on the “Check
Engine” or the “Service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than three automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
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Maintenance and Specifications
290
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)
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Maintenance and Specifications
295
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
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Index
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Turn signal ..................................47
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................306
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................308
Vehicle loading ..........................200
Ventilating your vehicle ...........215
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10Washer fluid ..............................273
Water, Driving through .............225
Windows
power
.........................................65
rear wiper/washer
.....................54
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................54
checking and adding fluid
.....273
liftgate reservoir
.....................273
replacing wiper blades
...........274
Wrecker towing
.........................252
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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