
As traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles shift up or down in
gears, this shifting in gear ratios is noticeable by increasing and
decreasing engine RPM which causes a slight energy loss as the gears
change. The gear changes can be felt by the driver.
With the CVT, there is no energy transfer loss from shifting because
there is no gear shifting up or down. Acceleration up to vehicle operating
speed is smooth and continuous; uninterrupted by gear shifting. The
same holds true for coasting down to idle; smooth and continuous.
Unlike traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles, the CVT offers
more responsive performance and increased fuel economy.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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Driving
203

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Controlsystem while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
2007 Freestyle(219)
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Driving
207

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 36,000
miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $100 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
2007 Freestyle(219)
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Roadside Emergencies
213

HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
instrument panel by the radio. The
hazard flashers will operate when
the ignition is in any position or if
the key is not in the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located in the front passenger
footwell area in the right upper
corner.
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.
6. Make another check for leaks.
2007 Freestyle(219)
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Roadside Emergencies
215

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 burning (cigarettes) 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 ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
252

Foglamps .....................................59
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................206
Fuel ............................................269
calculating fuel
economy ............................86, 274
cap ...........................................271
capacity ...................................283
choosing the right fuel ...........272
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................277
detergent in fuel .....................273
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................269, 271, 274
filter, specifications ........269, 281
fuel pump shut-off switch .....215
improving fuel economy ........274
octane rating ...................273, 285
quality ......................................273
running out of fuel .................273
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................269
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......215
Fuses ..........................................216
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............271
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................274
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................215
Head restraints .........113, 118–119
Headlamps ...................................58
aiming ........................................60
autolamp system .......................58
bulb specifications ....................63daytime running lights .............60
flash to pass ..............................59
high beam .................................59
replacing bulbs .........................63
turning on and off ....................58
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...............46, 48, 50, 52, 54
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................81
Hood ..........................................253
I
Ignition ...............................194, 285
Illuminated visor mirror .............69
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................158
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................279
Instrument panel ........................69
cleaning ...................................248
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................60
J
Jack ............................................223
positioning ...............................223
storage .....................................223
Jump-starting your vehicle ......230
K
Keyless entry system ...............106
autolock .....................................97
keypad .....................................106
locking and unlocking doors ..107
programming entry code .......106
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Index
292

Keys ...........................................109
positions of the ignition .........194
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................58
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................63
daytime running light ...............60
fog lamps ...................................59
headlamps .................................58
headlamps, flash to pass ..........59
instrument panel, dimming .....60
interior lamps .....................62–63
replacing bulbs ...................63, 66
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................62
Liftgate ........................................94
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........198
Load limits .................................184
Locks
autolock .....................................97
childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................97
Lubricant specifications ...........283
Lug nuts ....................................230
Luggage rack ...............................95
Lumbar support, seats .............115
M
Message center ...........................85
english/metric button ...............90
system check button ................90
warning messages .....................91
Mirrors .........................................74automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................74
fold away ...................................75
heated ........................................75
side view mirrors (power) .......74
Moon roof ....................................80
Motorcraft parts ........250, 269, 281
N
Navigation system .......................30
O
Octane rating ............................273
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................256
P
Parking brake ............................198
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....281
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................128
Power adjustable foot pedals .....75
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................219
Power door locks ........................97
Power mirrors .............................74
Power point .................................71
Power steering ..........................200
fluid, checking and adding ....279
fluid, refill capacity ................283
fluid, specifications .................283
Power Windows ...........................72
R
Radio ......................................16, 21
2007 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
293