2006 FORD FREESTYLE check transmission fluid

Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
Low washer fluid (if equipped):
Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Door ajar (if equipped):
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON position and any door or
decklid is open.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the Securilock
Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle Control/Transmission:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
or an AWD fault (if equipped) has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

Do not use L (Low) gear when driving through sand.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, AWD system components or axles are submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
201

A
Accessory delay ..........................67
Air cleaner filter .......................269
Air conditioning ........42, 44, 46, 49
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................132–133, 142, 144
and child safety seats ............134
description ..............133, 142, 144
disposal ....................................147
driver airbag ............135, 142, 145
indicator light .................135, 146
operation .................135, 142, 145
passenger airbag .....135, 142, 145
side airbag ...............................142
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................198
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................251
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................190
Anti-theft system ......................103
arming the system ..................103
disarming a triggered
system .....................................104
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................17, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................268
fluid, checking ........................268
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specification ..................274
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................195
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........272B
Battery .......................................249
acid, treating emergencies .....249
jumping a disabled battery ....222
maintenance-free ....................249
replacement, specifications ...269
servicing ..................................249
BeltMinder .................................126
Brakes ........................................189
anti-lock ...................................190
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................190
fluid, checking and adding ....268
fluid, refill capacities ..............270
fluid, specifications .........272, 274
lubricant specifications ..272, 274
parking ....................................191
shift interlock ..........................193
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....270
Cargo cover .................................89
Cargo net .....................................88
Cassette tape player ...................17
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................214
Child safety restraints ..............147
child safety belts ....................147
Child safety seats ......................151
in front seat ............................152
in rear seat ..............................152
tether anchorage hardware ...155
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............237
instrument panel ....................239
interior .....................................239
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
281

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

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