
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32–A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
•
Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in contact
with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan lotion in order
to avoid possible damage to the interior painted surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
239

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

interior trim ............................239
plastic parts ............................238
washing ....................................236
waxing .....................................236
wheels ......................................237
wiper blades ............................238
Climate control
(see Air conditioning
or Heating) ................42, 44, 46, 49
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................21
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................81
Console ..................................63–64
overhead ....................................64
Controls
power seat ...............................108
steering column ........................73
Coolant
checking and adding ..............251
refill capacities ................256, 270
specifications ..................272, 274
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................70
Customer Assistance ................205
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................233
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................234
Getting roadside assistance ...205
Getting the service you
need .........................................229
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................234
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................232D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................268
engine oil .................................246
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........272
Driving under special
conditions ..........................199, 202
sand .........................................200
snow and ice ...........................202
through water .................201, 203
E
Electronic message center .........78
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................222
Emission control system ..........265
Engine ........................................274
cleaning ...................................237
coolant .....................................251
idle speed control ...................249
lubrication specifications ......272,
274
refill capacities ........................270
service points ..........................244
starting after a collision .........206
Engine block heater .................189
Engine oil ..................................246
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................246
checking and adding ..............246
dipstick ....................................246
filter, specifications ........248, 269
recommendations ...................248
refill capacities ........................270
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
282

Relays ........................................207
Remote entry system .................92
illuminated entry ................96–97
Reverse sensing system ...........196
Roadside assistance ..................205
Roof rack .....................................89
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........131
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ............118,
122–125
Safety Canopy ...........................144
Safety defects, reporting ..........235
Safety restraints ........118, 122–125
belt minder .............................126
extension assembly ................131
for adults .........................123–125
for children .............................147
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................120
safety belt maintenance .........131
warning light and chime ........126
Safety seats for children ..........151
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................276
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............118
Seats ..........................................105
child safety seats ....................151
front seats ...............105–106, 109
heated ............................44, 46, 49
memory seat .....................93, 110
second row seats ............111, 114
third row seats ........114, 116–117
Servicing your vehicle ..............242Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................21
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........216
Spark plugs, specifications ......269,
274
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................272, 274
Speed control ..............................70
Starting your vehicle ........186–188
jump starting ..........................222
Steering wheel
controls ......................................73
tilting .........................................62
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................62
Tires ...........................161–162, 214
alignment ................................168
care ..........................................166
changing ..................214, 216–217
checking the pressure ............166
inspecting and inflating .........163
label .........................................175
replacing ..................................170
rotating ....................................168
safety practices .......................167
sidewall information ...............170
snow tires and chains ............176
spare tire .................................214
terminology .............................162
tire grades ...............................162
treadwear ........................161, 166
Towing .......................................182
recreational towing .................185
trailer towing ..........................182
wrecker ....................................227
Traction control ........................192
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
285