SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty
Guide/Owner Information Guideto find out which parts and services
are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
267
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses
15% less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
2007 Freestar(win)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
292
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
wheels ......................................261
wiper blades ............................263
Clock ............................................66
Compass, electronic ....................58
calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................65
overhead ....................................58
Controls
power seat ...............................115
steering column ........................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............276
refill capacities ................280, 300
specifications ..........................300
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Cupholder(s) .............................118
Customer Assistance ................225
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................257
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............258
Getting roadside assistance ...225
Getting the service you
need .........................................253
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................258
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............256
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................293
engine oil .................................271Doors ...........................................60
power sliding ............................62
Driving under special
conditions ..................................222
through water .........................224
DVD system .................................34
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................245
Emission control system ..........289
Engine ........................................302
cleaning ...................................262
coolant .....................................276
idle speed control ...................274
lubrication specifications .......300
refill capacities ........................300
service points ..................269–270
starting after a collision .........227
Engine block heater .................214
Engine oil ..................................271
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................271
checking and adding ..............271
dipstick ....................................271
filter, specifications ........273, 299
recommendations ...................273
refill capacities ........................300
specifications ..........................300
Exhaust fumes ..........................213
F
Floor mats ...................................87
Fluid capacities .........................300
Fuel ............................................281
calculating fuel economy .......286
cap ...........................................283
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
308
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