2006 FORD FREESTAR service

Changing tires with TPMS
Each road tire is equipped with
a tire pressure sensor fastened
to the inside rim of the wheel.
The pressure sensor is covered
by the tire and is not visible
unless the tire is removed. The
pressure sensor is located
opposite (180 degrees) from the
valve stem. Care must be taken
when changing the tire to avoid
damaging the sensor.It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by an authorized
dealer.
The tire pressure should be checked
periodically (at least monthly) using
an accurate tire gauge, refer to
Inspecting and inflating your
tiresin this chapter.
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System measures pressure in your four
road tires and sends the tire pressure readings to your vehicle every
minute while you are driving and once every 6 hours when your vehicle
is parked. The Low Tire Warning Lamp will turn ON if the tire pressure
is 25% below the pressure listed on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (approximately 6 to 9 psi below the manufacturer’s recommend
tire pressure). If the tire pressure increases 2 psi above the “Light ON”
threshold, then the TPMS light will turn OFF. Once the light is
illuminated, your tires are under inflated and need to be inflated to the
manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Even if the light turns ON
and a short time later turns OFF, your tire pressure still needs to be
checked.
In short, once the light has turned ON, at least one tire may be under
inflated.
When your temporary spare tire is installed (if equipped)
When one of your road tires needs to be replaced with the temporary
spare (T-type spare/Mini spare or Dissimilar spare), the TPMS system
will continue to identify an issue to remind you that the damaged road
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A new underbody wiring harness (14406) will be a component to this kit
and will need to be installed, if applicable, per instructions located in the
service kit.
If your vehicle has the optional trailer tow package it comes with heavy
duty cooling fans, auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, an auxiliary engine
oil cooler (4.2L engine only), heavy duty battery, trailer tow wiring
(including fuses and relays to isolate the vehicle lighting circuitry from
the trailer lighting) and a kit (in a cardboard box) that includes an
adapter wiring harness that contains the standard 4-pin trailer plug.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special Operating Conditionsin the scheduled maintenance
information.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
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•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionin theDriving chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance
Informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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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
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•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Hitting a patch of ice
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Hitting a curb while turning
•Cornering at excessive speeds while towing a heavily loaded trailer
(refer toTrailer Towingin this chapter)
The AdvanceTracsystem automatically turns on when the engine is
started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse).
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTracto activate, the AdvanceTracwill
disengage the speed control. When driving conditions permit, you can
return to speed control by pressing RESUME. Refer toSpeed controlin
theDriver controlschapter.
The AdvanceTracbutton allows the
driver to control the availability of
the AdvanceTracsystem.
AdvanceTracsystem status is
indicated by the TRAC OFF
indicator light in the instrument
cluster when the system is
deactivated.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTracsystem, the TRAC OFF
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. Have the vehicle
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTracsystem may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTracperforms a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac
operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (2.0 gallons [7.5L], maximum two occurrences within
12 month period)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest authorized dealer, or
your selling authorized dealer if within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
nearest authorized dealer (one tow per disablement). Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents, are covered (some
exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theOwner Information Guidein the glove compartment.
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This switch is located behind the
service panel on the right side of
the cargo area.
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.
6. Make another check for leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
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•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
For vehicles equipped with 4WD, it is not recommended that the vehicle
be operated in 4WD modes with a temporary emergency spare tire. If
4WD operation is necessary, do not operate above speeds of 10 mph
(16 km/h) or for distances above 50 miles (80 km).
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Location of the spare tire and tools
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the TPMS system, all road wheels equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle
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