steering FORD FREESTAR 2005 1.G User Guide

Brake Assist (if equipped as part of the AdvanceTracsystem)
The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.
When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, pull the
handle up as far as possible. The
BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate
and will remain illuminated until the
parking brake is released.
To release, press and hold the
button, pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
The AdvanceTrac
system helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS) and Traction Control
and a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle.
AdvanceTrac
constantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver’s intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. AdvanceTrac
determines whether an engine torque
reduction or brake application is needed to help control the vehicle. If
the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or right, spin out, or slide
sideways, the system will attempt to correct the excessive motion. If the
P!
BRAKE
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vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the system will attempt to
increase the turning response of the vehicle.
AdvanceTrac
enhances your vehicle’s stability during maneuvers that
require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road conditions
and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an emergency
lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle traction,
and have better control of the vehicle.
Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTrac
include:
•Accelerating on a slippery surface
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Hitting a patch of ice
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Hitting a curb while turning
•Cornering at excessive speeds while towing a heavily loaded trailer
(refer toTrailer Towingin this chapter)
The AdvanceTrac
system automatically turns on when the engine is
started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse).
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTrac
to activate, the AdvanceTrac
will
disengage the speed control. When driving conditions permit, you can
return to speed control by pressing RESUME. Refer toSpeed controlin
theDriver controlschapter.
The AdvanceTrac
button allows
the driver to control the availability
of the AdvanceTrac
system.
AdvanceTrac
system status is
indicated by the TRAC OFF
indicator light in the instrument
cluster when the system is
deactivated.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac
system, the TRAC OFF
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. Vehicle equipped
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with a message center will also have CHECK ADVANCETRAC shown in
the display. Have the vehicle system serviced immediately.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the AdvanceTrac
system may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will
enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac
performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac

operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The TRAC ACTIVE indicator light will illuminate
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac
operation.
If the AdvaceTrac system is activated for an extended period of time, the
brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes to cool
down. A limited AdvanceTrac
function using only engine power
reduction will still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool-down period.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
system. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac
sensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac
event
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
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STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the 4 (ON) position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the 4 (ON) position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Insert the key and turn it to the 3
(OFF) position.Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
3
1
2
5
4
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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey———
3A Violet Violet———
4A Pink Pink———
5A Tan Tan———
7.5A Brown Brown———
10A Red Red———
15A Blue Blue———
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural———
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A——Orange Green Green
50A——Red Red Red
60A——Blue—Yellow
70A——Ta n—Brown
80A——Natural—Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses. To remove
the fuse panel cover, pull up on the latch on the right or left side of the
cover.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
13 5A Compass/Driver heated seat/Passenger
heated seats/Reverse sensing
system/Power Liftgate Module/Power
sliding door Run feeds
14 5A Underhood fuse box Run feed, Front
blower Run feed
15 10A Brake On-Off (BOO) switch B+
16 5A Steering angle/Cluster/Power sliding door
and power liftgate inhibit
LED/Electrochromatic mirror
Run/Start/Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
17 10A Restraint Control Module
(RCM)/Passenger Air bag Disable Indicator
(PADI)/Passenger Occupant Detection
System (PODS) Run/Start
18 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module/Brake pressure switch/Speed
control Run/Start
19 5A PATS/Cluster/Air bag LED/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) relay Run/Start
20 10A Liftgate Start feed, Radio Start feed
21 10A Starter relay power START
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•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
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 dry with a dry cloth.
•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 air bag 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 dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•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
air bags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.9L/4.2L V6 engines
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Power distribution box
4. Battery
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
576894
10321
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CHECKING AND ADDING 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 RESERVOIR
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 dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
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REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid
1
All Fill to MAX line
on reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)
3
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)3.9L engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
4.2L engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)Without rear
heater14.0L (14.8
quarts)
With rear heater 15.0L (15.9
quarts)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Fuel tank N/A All 98.4L (26.0
gallons)
Automatic
transaxle fluidMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAll 13.0L (13.7
quarts)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll Fill to line on
reservoir
1Use only brake fluids certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant Specificationsin this chapter. DOT 3 fluid is recommended.
However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4 fluid can be used.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
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