Page 296 of 320

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
Page 311 of 320

Rear seat entertainment systems - DVD
Ash cup/coin holder
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Roof carriers
Peace of mind
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Mobile-Easehands-free communication system
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
311
Page 316 of 320

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