2006 FORD FREESTAR warning

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift
Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over
time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Drive) or 3. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Drive) gives
the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control
start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Once you place the gearshift
lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use
the accelerator as necessary.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
221

This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
The RSS detects obstacles up to
6 ft. (2 meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
224

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

•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.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
290

EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
293

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

A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................217
Air cleaner filter ...............298, 302
Air filter, cabin ............................42
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................148–149, 157, 159
and child safety seats ............150
description ..............149, 157, 159
disposal ....................................162
driver airbag ............151, 158, 160
indicator light .................157, 162
operation .................151, 158, 160
passenger airbag .....151, 158, 160
side airbag ...............................157
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................215–216
Anti-theft system ......................107
arming the system ..................108
disarming a triggered
system .....................................108
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transaxle .................220
fluid, adding ............................296
fluid, checking ........................296
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
fluid, specification ..................306
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................221
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........304
B
Battery .......................................277acid, treating emergencies .....277
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................277
replacement, specifications ...302
servicing ..................................277
BeltMinder .................................143
Brakes ........................................215
anti-lock ...........................215–216
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............216
fluid, checking and adding ....296
fluid, refill capacities ..............303
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant
specifications ..................304, 306
parking ....................................217
shift interlock ..........................220
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....303
Cargo net .....................................88
Cassette tape player .......18, 20, 23
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............163
child safety belts ....................163
Child safety seats ......................169
in front seat ............................171
in rear seat ..............................171
tether anchorage hardware ...173
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............265
instrument panel ....................267
interior .....................................267
interior trim ............................267
plastic parts ............................266
washing ....................................264
waxing .....................................264
2006 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
312

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