Page 262 of 288

•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 two 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 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262
Page 267 of 288

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to
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
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor 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 in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
267
Page 284 of 288

K
Keyless entry system .................97
autolock .....................................99
Keys
positions of the ignition .........186
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................52
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
daytime running light ...............53
fog lamps ...................................54
headlamps ...........................52, 57
headlamps, flash to pass ..........53
instrument panel, dimming .....54
interior lamps ...........................56
replacing bulbs ...................56–60
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................56
Liftgate ........................................88
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........190
Load limits .................................176
Locks
autolock .....................................99
childproof ..................................91
doors ..........................................90
Lubricant specifications ...272, 274
Lug nuts ....................................221
Luggage rack ...............................89
Lumbar support, seats .............107
M
Message center ...........................78
english/metric button ...............83system check button ................84
warning messages .....................84
Mirrors ...................................63, 68
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................68
fold away ...................................68
heated ........................................69
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Moon roof ....................................74
Motorcraft parts ........240, 257, 269
N
Navigation system .......................24
O
Octane rating ............................261
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................246
P
Parking brake ............................191
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....269
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................120
Power adjustable foot pedals .....69
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................211
Power door locks ........................90
Power mirrors .............................68
Power point .................................65
Power steering ..........................193
fluid, checking and adding ....267
fluid, refill capacity ................270
fluid, specifications .........272, 274
Power Windows ...........................66
R
Radio ......................................17, 20
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
284
Page 286 of 288

Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................268
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
lubricant specifications ..........274
Transmission .............................193
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....193
lubricant specifications ..........272
Turn signal ..................................56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................274
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................276
Vehicle loading ..........................176
Ventilating your vehicle ...........189W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid
..............................245
Water, Driving through
.............203
Windows
power
.........................................66
rear wiper/washer
.....................62
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid
.....245
operation
...................................61
replacing wiper blades
...........245
Wrecker towing
.........................227
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
286