2007 FORD FREESTAR ECU

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood.
3. Lift the hood and secure it with
the prop rod. Your vehicle’s hood
has two locations for the prop rod
to be placed. These locations
provide two different hood opening
positions. Use the location which
best suits your needs.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
268

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
271

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, the
indicator should turn off—A driving cycle consists of a
cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving. No additional
vehicle service is required.
If the
indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity.
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 the
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.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
291

3. Remove the air cleaner assembly
from the vehicle.
4. Release the two clamps that
secure the cover to the air filter
housing and place the cover aside.
5. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
6. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
7. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
296

8. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure all the tabs on the bottom edge
are properly aligned.
9. Reinstall the air cleaner assembly
into the vehicle. Ensure the tabs on
the inlet tube are secure in the
sheet metal.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
297

10. Ensure the pads on the bottom
of the air cleaner assembly are
properly seated.
11. Reconnect the outlet tube to the
air cleaner assembly and tighten the
clamp.
12. Reconnect the Mass Air Flow
Sensor electrical connector to the
outlet tube. Make sure the locking
tab on the connector is in “locked”
position.
Note:If hose clamp is not secured properly or Mass Air Flow Sensor
electrical connector is not properly installed the Check Engine light will
illuminate when vehicle is operated.
Note:Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the
correct air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The
customer warranty may be voided for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
298

Peace of mind
Mobile-Easehands-free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
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.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
306

Roadside assistance ..................225
Roof rack .....................................92
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........147
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........138, 141, 143–145
Safety Canopy ...........................164
Safety defects, reporting ..........259
Safety
restraints ...........138, 141, 143–145
BeltMinder
............................148
extension assembly ................146
for adults .........................143–145
for children .....................167–168
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................139
safety belt maintenance .........147
warning light and chime ........148
Safety seats for children ..........171
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................303
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............138
Seats ..........................................113
child safety seats ....................171
front seats .......................113–116
memory seat ...................102, 117
second row
seats .................119–120, 123–124
third row
seats .................124, 131, 135–137
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............109–110
Servicing your vehicle ..............267
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...................238Spark plugs,
specifications .....................299, 302
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................300
Speed control ..............................71
Starting your vehicle ........211–213
jump starting ..........................245
Steering wheel
controls ......................................74
tilting .........................................57
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................57
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....196
Warning Displays ......................10
Tires ...................................182–183
alignment ................................190
care ..........................................186
changing ..........................238, 240
checking the pressure ............186
inflating ...................................184
label .........................................195
replacing ..................................188
rotating ....................................190
safety practices .......................189
sidewall information ...............191
snow tires and chains ............200
spare tire .................................236
terminology .............................183
tire grades ...............................183
treadwear ........................182, 187
Towing .......................................206
recreational towing .................210
trailer towing ..........................206
wrecker ....................................251
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............219
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
311